Plenty of vacancies for Mount Kinabalu climb

Kota Kinabalu: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now easier to book a place to climb Mount Kinabalu as there are many available slots even on Saturday (May 16), the first day Malaysia’s highest mountain was reopened to climbers.

Previously, it was difficult to book a slot even if you identified yourself as a resident in Sabah with cash payment ability. The Kinabalu Park and climbing trails were closed to climbers since March 18 due to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of Covid-19. Mount Kinabalu towers 4,095.2 metres above sea level and the summit climb from the trailhead covers 8.72km.

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According to an officer at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, they even “accept walk-in and pay at their Kinabalu Park officer before 7am on May 16, besides other fees to the Sabah Parks for the climbing permit and guide fee, etc.” She said last week some 60 slots were still available for booking, and if climbers in a group were supposed to wear mask, it could add to the breathing challenge.

Health Ministry’s guidelines like for social distancing should be observed by climbers in the open environment to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Ministry of Health.

According to Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim, only 100 climbers will be allowed each day. This quota does not include porters and guides, which means that the number of people on the mountain would be more than 100.

In the past, only 185 climb permits per day were issued by Sabah Parks.

Permit fees for adult Malaysians and dependants below 18 are RM50 and RM30, respectively, and non-Malaysians need to pay RM200 for each adult and RM80 for each child.

Also payable are RM400 for accommodation and meals, RM250 for each mountain guide and RM7 for insurance. The Sutera Sanctuary Lodge quotes higher amount for better quality services.

For the normal two-day-one-night option, climbers will cover the first 6km on day one before sleeping in one of the four dorm accommodations. On day two, they will walk in the early hours of the morning to complete the final 2.72km ascent to the summit, in the hopes of arriving in time for the sunrise. Climbers will then complete the entire descent the same day.

Expect climbing times to be 4-5 hours on day one, around three hours to the summit in the early hours of day two, followed by 6-9 hours for the final descent.

There are four accommodations at Panalaban, depending on the climbers’ budget and programme, for the mandatory overnight rest stop – Laban Rata, Pendant Hut for Via Ferrata climbers, Panalaban Hostel and Lemaing Hostel.

Not every climber is able to reach the summit. Some are unwell or unfit as if they fail to reach the checkpoint at Sayat Sayat Hut (3,668m) by a set time, then they would not be able to proceed to the summit. Morning cloud mist can make the return descent treacherous.

If the weather pours in the early morning or since overnight, the summit attempt can be called off due to raining making path over the bare granite rock face very slippery and a safety hazard.

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To encourage boosting domestic tourism, a rebate of 50 per cent on the conservation entry fee into all Sabah Parks for six months is accorded to all local visitors from May 16 until November 16.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00