Ready for a high-altitude challenge? This 2D1N climb is built for adventure lovers short on time but big on ambition. Trek through misty rainforest, overnight at Laban Rata, and reach Mount Kinabalu’s peak just in time for a breathtaking sunrise — all within 48 hours.
Kota Kinabalu
6.30 am
A rewarding physical challenge: The trail from Timpohon Gate covers varied terrain and altitudes, offering a fulfilling experience for adventurous climbers.
Overnight at Laban Rata: Rest, recharge, and enjoy a warm meal at 3,272m before your early morning summit attempt.
Sunrise summit: Start your final ascent in the dark and reach Low’s Peak just in time to catch the sunrise lighting up the entire region.
Incredible views: Expect dramatic mountain scenery, unique flora, and wide open vistas stretching across Sabah.
Guided and supported: You’re in good hands with experienced, licensed mountain guides who prioritize safety and motivation every step of the way.
Get pick up from your hotel lobby in Kota Kinabalu City, about 2 hours tranfer to the national park, gather at the park reception area where your mountain guide will assist with registration and collect your climbing ID. You can store your extra luggage at the luggage counter for a small fee (RM11 per bag). From there, you’ll be transferred to Timpohon Gate (1,866m) — the official starting point of your climb. The trail to Panalaban stretches 6 km and usually takes between 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through diverse forest zones and spot unique mountain flora such as wild orchids and pitcher plants. Upon reaching Laban Rata Hut, check in and take time to rest — with the summit climb coming up early the next morning, an early night is recommended.
Your summit push begins in the early hours of the morning, typically around 2:00 AM. With your headlamp on and your mountain guide leading the way, you’ll ascend the granite trails under a sky full of stars. The goal is to reach Low’s Peak (4,095m) by sunrise — a truly unforgettable moment as the first light breaks over Borneo.
After soaking in the panoramic views and capturing your summit photos, you’ll begin the descent back to Laban Rata for a well-earned breakfast. From there, continue your trek down to Timpohon Gate, which usually takes around 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Kinabalu Park HQ for certificate collection and a late lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu.
