Mount Alab Climb
Mount Alab is among the mountains within the Crocker Range park that stands at 2,050 metres to the south of the highest point in Borneo Island (Mount Kinabalu). Travelers and keen mountain climbers flocked to Sabah for its well-known Mount Kinabalu climb, having to book the slot months in advance for a chance to climb the mountain. Many have not heard of Mount Alab, as minimal attention has been given to it, however for someone who have climbed Mount Kinabalu more than 30 times, I found Mount Alab is a hidden gem of its own and though it is only half of Mount Kinabalu’s height, this hike should not be taken lightly as it is definitely only for those with high fitness level.
Mount Alab hike covers 12 kilometers of some ups and downs terrain, with rugged trails of mixed primary and secondary forest. The track is well covered with dense vegetation from lowland to the lower montane tropical forest, gives you the jungle feeling. Sounds of the forest comes to live and it is a wonderful pleasure being revel in with the surrounding environment, with its less travel path away from the crowds.
Mount Alab Trail
Expected to be greeted with an unfamiliar, almost like being in another different world. The trail ground was covered with fallen leaves and branches creating a carpet sponge ground which are always damp. Be watchful as along the trail there would be an opportunity to spots some Pitcher Plants, Rafflesia and orchids growing wild around the crocker range, living alongside with big tall trees and being in a tropical rainforest the weather changes constantly from sunny breezy day to a chilly cloudy weather or a sudden downpour. Whatever the challenges the weather brings you, as long as you are equipped with reliable outdoor gear this would not hinder you from having to enjoy the nature hike throughout the trails.
At the 6 kilometers point, marks the peak of Mount Alab an ideal spot for lunch break offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Though the jungle trek is taxing, Mount Alab is one of a must destination especially for nature appreciators. At the end of the trek, a rewarding treat for you after an enervating hike is the cooling natural pool at Mahua Waterfalls. Mount Alab hike is compulsory to be accompanied with a ranger, for the safety of all hikers as the jungle trail is very dense it is fairly easy to get lost especially when it started to get dark.
Mount Alab climb can be done either in a day which will take about 9 hours of hiking with an early start in the morning. Those looking for a perfect adventure into nature wilderness, a two days hike would be possible with a night stay at one of the 3 basic shelters. Check out our packages for this adventure on our Crocker Range page.
