How To Climb Mount Kinabalu with Kids

Mount Kinabalu, in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is marketed as the highest mountain in South-East Asia, excluding the Himalayas and Puncak Jaya in Indonesian Papua. And scaling the 4095m peak provides dramatic views and a stunning lunar landscape that are rewarding for adults and kids alike.

A Practical Guide on Climbing Mount Kinabalu with Kids

Can you climb Mount Kinabalu with kids?

Hell yeah!

I’ve written about my own experience of climbing Mount Kinabalu with kids, when my son was nine. In fact, children as young as five have made the ascent (the Via Ferrata climbing circuit, however, is open only to children over 10).

But here are some tips to bear in mind before you embark on Mount Kinabalu with kids.

1: Consider Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (technically acute mountain sickness) can strike at anywhere over 2000m, and children are more susceptible than adults. Fatigue, mild headache and a need to breathe more deeply than usual when walking hard are quite common, and will typically disappear with a night’s sleep.

More serious symptoms include bluish skin, chest tightness, coughing up blood, confusion, loss of consciousness, loss of orientation, pallor and shortness of breath even while resting. In case of any of these, or even if you just feel a little concerned, inform your guide at once.

Although relatively little research has been done on AMS in children, I would not, personally, take any child to altitude that was not of an age and maturity to communicate clearly that he or she felt unwell, and how or where they felt unwell.

2: Pre-Book Accommodation

You will not be allowed to embark on the climb without prebooked accommodation at Laban Rata, the guesthouse at 3000m that is the only accommodation on Mount Kinabalu. Spaces can fill up as far as 3 or 4 months in advance, though cancellations do happen.

Accommodation has to be booked through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Call +63 (6088) 318 888 to book, as online booking only allows you to book two nights. Accommodation is dormitory-style and, even if you get a heated dorm, can be chilly. Buffet-style meals are provided and there are fizzy drinks, candy and souvenirs for sale.

3: Budget for Permits

It is slightly cheaper for kids to climb Mount Kinabalu than for adults, but still not cheap. Park entry for non-Malaysians costs 15RMB for adults, 10 RMB for under-18s. Climbing permits cost RM100 for adults, RM40 for children. Climbing insurance is RM7 for children and adults alike. Guide fees cost around 150RM for a group of up to 6. Packed lunches are provided and there is chlorinated drinking water along the trail.

4: Start At Timophon Gate

It is possible to begin the climb either at Mesilau or at the park headquarters, both of which add several kilometres to the climb. Paying the 16.50RMB fee for transportation to the Timophon gate will make the climb easier and shorter.

5: Bring Snacks

While not technically difficult, the Mount Kinabalu climb is like ascending kilometre after kilometre of very steep stairs, which is particularly tough on children’s little legs. High-sugar snacks, whether dried fruit or candy and fizzy drinks will make climbing Mount Kinabalu with kids a whole lot easier all round (adults will need these on the descent).

6: Dress Appropriately

You don’t need technical hiking gear to climb Mount Kinabalu — kids and adults alike will do just fine in running shoes. But temperatures can drop below zero on the summit climb and the ropes which you use to assist the ascent get very chilly. Bring warm socks, gloves, jackets and long pants.

You will also need a head torch (which can be hired for a few RMB), and hiking sticks come in very handy, especially on the descent. These are also available for hire. Layer clothing, as the early stages of the climb can be extremely hot.

7: Consider A Second Night at Laban Rata

The typical Mount Kinabalu climb — with kids or without kids — begins with a walk from Timophon gate to Laban Rata, a night at the guesthouse, at around 3000m, a climb to the summit in time for sunrise, and then a descent back to Timophon. The sunrise climb is critical, as mist obscures the view later in the day — leave at 2am to ensure reaching it for sunrise.

A second night at Laban Rata will give both adults and children time to recover from the summit and descent: otherwise, you will ascend over 1000 vertical metres, then descend over 2000 vertical metres in a single day. Bear in mind, though, that there is very little to do at Laban Rata itself.

8: Leave Your Gear Behind

Take as little as you need for the mountain itself. Guesthouses in Kota Kinabalu will happily store bags. Porters are available, but will carry a maximum of 10kg.

9: Spend a Day at the Hot Springs

Children’s legs recover from the trauma of Mount Kinabalu rather faster than adults. Unless you are super-fit, your legs will ache. Poring Hot Springs makes a fantastic way to soothe away the aches and pains.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu with kids is hugely rewarding. If there’s any more information you’d like to see, please do leave me a comment and I’ll endeavour to answer it.