Finally made it to one of the place that I've been dying to go. Though not an avid climber myself (unless the mountain has great views), I have been motivated to conquer this mountain just to be able to relish the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu and also to be able to get nearer to the stars to have a good glance at them.
------------------------DAY 1------------------------
FLIGHT
Took an early morning flight to avoid any flight delay that might affect my climb and itinerary. However, my airline had made my flight earlier around 30-45 minutes and my fellow travel mates later in the evening, much to my dismay. Reached out to the airline to settle upon this matter to come to no avail. Needless for me to mention the airline as I have seen and heard so many cases on them recently. Anyhow I can't make one lousy flight affect my entire journey that I have been planning hard on. Still thanks AA, I hope you can do something about it for the coming flights. *rows eyeball*. Our itinerary of the day were also ruined.
From the airport we travelled by car to Kundasang which took around 4 hours due to traffic congestion. We managed to check into our stay at around 8pm+. According to our driver, the traffic jam in KK will start to peak up at 4-5pm onwards.
------------------------DAY 2------------------------
1) ATV Ride
ATV price: RM100 (booked in advance)
Slapped onto some sunscreen and had our shades on in the morning already. Do make sure you get higher SPF and preferably waterproof sunscreen for your trips here! Just my personal suggestion though :). We started around 9pm plus and drove up to the hilly area near Sosodikon Hill. Enjoyed the ride to my heart's content! Roads were a little bumpy but that was fine.
2) Sosodikon Hill
After we parked our ATVs at the parking near the hill, we hiked up the hill with the entrance fee of RM5. The hike would take a mere 10 minutes up. Was totally mesmerized by the beautiful view up there. I would definitely recommend this place if you are someone who loves seeing picturesque places. And yeah, they have hydrangeas along the way to the top too. How to resist!
I would say, worthy the trip for this!
3) Sunflower Garden
4) Kundasang Dairy Farm
Entrance fee: RM5 (adviced to book in advance online)
My suggested try-outs: Frozen natural yogurt (RM6.50), Chocolate gelato (RM6.50) and their Fresh milk!
Hydrangeasssss!
5) Alpaca Club
Not a fond of animal farm myself, I have nothing much to comment on. Entrance fee is a little more pricey (RM15). Unless you are an alpaca lover, you can definitely pay a visit to this place. You can actually touch the neck region of the alpaca under supervision of the workers there.
Alpacas
Spotted some clovers here too! Any four-leaved ones?
6) Restaurant SS
I personally love this Sabah vegetable. Anyone knows the name of it? :P
*update: It's pumpkin shoots!*
------------------------DAY 3-4------------------------
So now we have arrived to the section where everyone is most interested in;
1) Hiking Mount Kinabalu D-1
#What I would be sharing here are solely my personal opinion, experiences and preferences :)
Basically the entire hike is from;
Day 1:
Timpohon Gate > Panalaban Base Camp
Day 2:
Panalaban > Summit,
Summit > Panalaban,
Panalaban > Timpohon Gate
Here are a few legit sites where you could obtain the information regarding the hike. The following are some links that I find helpful:
Suggested reference: Mount Kinabalu Climb Information & Booking Centre
Things to bring: Things to Bring for your Climb | Mount Kinabalu
Porter: RM14/kg (rate in March/2023)
☝TIPS: Before the hike, ensure that your toenails are trimmed to avoid having injured toenails after. Get a pair of comfortable hiking shoes (perhaps 1 size bigger than your actual size) to avoid traumatizing your toenails and also to be able to fit in your thermal socks.
My apparel and equipment for D-1:
- 10L bag
- Waistbag
- ID TAG (given upon registration)
- Hat
- Crop top
- Light fleece jacket
- Leggings
- Knee guard
- Normal socks
- Hiking shoes
In the carry-on bag:
1. Lunch (separated)
2. Snacks
3. Important things (wallet)
4. Stand-by medications (generously prepared by my sweet travelmate)
5. Water
6. Raincoat
7. Extra T-shirt, socks
8. Sunblock
8. Sunblock
Other necessities that you will not require could be placed into the bag carried by your porter (if you hire one).
Do keep some cash with you as credit card and ewallet payments are not available starting from Kinabalu Park. Porters will be paid by cash too!
From Timpohon Gate > Panalaban Base
The temperature in the morning is quite cold especially before your body starts working out. I brought a light fleece jacket with me and had a crop top worn inside. I'd prefer having a hat on although at some point you will need to remove it when the routes are not exposed to direct sunlight. Oh and don't forget your knee guards to protect your joints! A hiking stick would help a lot in reducing the impact to them too!
Embarking the much-awaited journey, finally! Remember to always have your tag worn all the time! It's really important!
You will be able to spot many squirrels over here!
The trail from timpohon to Panalaban is generally well-paved. Basically it's like climbing up a 6 km staircase up with superb views!
Our stop at Layang-layang to get some rest and lunch (at 4km)
Panalaban (6km), at last! With a mandatory selfie.
There's also the highest postbox in Malaysia here. Still one of my fav spot!
The road to Pendant Hut. What a scenic sight...
Mailed some postcards, had early dinner for my stomach and fed my eyes with the magnificent view.
1) Hiking Mount Kinabalu D-2
Apparel and things needed (just for reference):
1) Head lamp
2) Hiking stick
3) Fabric mask/ scarf
(anything that covers your nose when it gets too dry above. My nose hurts during the climb)
4) Beanie
5) Waterproof gloves (preferable with grip)
6) Windbreaker/Waterproof jacket, Fleece jacket, Thermal innerwears, thermal socks
7) Kneeguard
8) Snacks (though I didn't take any, just to standby)
9) Your tag (very important)
10) Medication (if you need any)
11) Water
Started our hike at 2.30am in a pitch black. Your headlamp is crucial. Don't forget to glance up the sky, the stars are greeting you! The road condition up to the summit are mostly staircase at the beginning, which gradually turn into rocky roads and eventually a steep slope.
Waited below the highest summit as the summit can't accomodate too many people. Hiked up just in time for the amazing sunrise. It's just too majestic!
You might want to bring along a RM100 cash too!
Appreciating the little floras found nowhere else!
After that, we returned back to Panalaban for breakfast, packed our belongings and continue our journey back down to Timpohon Gate.
Can't be more grateful to have a great weather for our climb!
------------------------DAY 5------------------------
1) ISLAND HOPPING: MANUKAN AND MAMUTIK ISLAND
Reached Jesselton Jetty and departed from there to Manukan Island first.
Crystal clear water. How not to love!
Ready to frolick around the beach despite the sun!
Parasailing and Banana Boat
Totally enjoyed ourselves. I give 10/10. It worthed it to get tanned sometimes, right? Except for snorkelling which was free and easy by the beachside (yahhh)
2) Sunset at Tanjung Aru
Bubbles always go so well with the seaside. We watched as the sun sets down the horizon....
...to reveal this beautiful hue of purple and pink sunset. The pictures are so great for wallpapers! Needless for words to describe the beauty of this nature. This is probably one of my favourite place in Kota Kinabalu. Ohhh not forgetting that you could also stargaze here as well. Didn't felt any mosquito bite due to the awesome weather. Well, it's still better to have some repellent with you for backup!
You may also loiter around the night market by the beach here. You can tipped this gorilla to get a picture with it (if you want of course)
------------------------DAY 6------------------------
1) Kokol Elf
RM10 per entry
Opens from 10am.
Located around 40 minutes away from KK. If you wish to take instagrammable photos, here's one place you can visit.
The love for rattans. They do give the vibes of Balinese designs!
Touristy pictures you may wanna ignore *heh*
2) Phillipine's Market
This is a place where you can test your negotiation skills. Haha. You can get many souvenirs from here. They have a variety of dried seafood, snacks, magnets, keychains and you-name-it all!
I hope I could have written more if I could afford more time for it. Yes, welcome to adulthood (since long ago).
Sabah is such a beautiful place filled with friendly people with genuine smiles. Writing this in hope to immortalize my memories and hope to make more of them in the coming day. Hope you enjoyed reading! That's all for my sharing.
P/s: I miss Sabah. Definitely coming back for more!
xx,
SY.