Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Mount Kinabalu (Laban Rata Resthouse)

Preparations Before Your Climb

• Ensure that you have arranged your climb permit application, climb insurance, mountain guide services, and transportation before your climb.
• Getting to Kinabalu Park HQ. You may make your own way to Kinabalu Park HQ by self-drive, public transport (taxi or bus), or shuttle services. Click here for car rental options or shuttle services from Kota Kinabalu. Sabah Parks entrance fee applies.
• Checking Into Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Your booking reference number and international passport/Malaysian IC will be required for registration and check in.
• Registering at Kinabalu Park HQ for your Climb. Report and register at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges office at Kinabalu Park HQ latest by 9am on the day of your climb.
• Applying Climb Permit & Insurance. Payment for your climb permit application and climb insurance is to be made directly at the Sabah Parks Office in Kinabalu Park HQ. A successful climb permit application must be secured in advance to your climb.
• Hiring Mountain Guide. Book and pay for a licensed Mountain Guide’s services at Sabah Parks Office, Kinabalu Park HQ. Do note that you are required to hire a licensed mountain guide to climb Mount Kinabalu.
• Getting Certificate of Achievement. You may purchase a Certificate of Achievement from Sabah Parks Office after your climb. Payment and collection of your certificate may be done only upon completion of your climb.

Important Notes

• All rates are inclusive of 0% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Climbers below 16 years old are considered Child and will be accompanied by a separate mountain guide.
• Do take note that your identification document (MyKad / Passport) will be required for verification during registration at the Kinabalu Park office. Make sure to bring it along with you.
• Laban Rata Resthouse is a dormitory-style accommodation. No room heater will be provided. Limited private rooms are available upon request (subject to availability).
• Laban Rata Resthouse does not provide boiled water for drinking/refill. Complimentary coffee & tea will only be provided during breakfast & supper. However, mineral water, coffee, tea, soft drinks and other beverages are still available for purchase at the Grocery Counter (Laban Rata Resthouse).
• Foreigners are required to pay Tourism Tax (TTX) at a flat rate of MYR10 per room/night. The TTX is to be paid upon check-in.
• Malaysians or permanent residents residing in Malaysia are exempted from TTX and is required to present a valid identification upon check-in for the exemption.
• Check-out time for Laban Rata Resthouse is 10:00AM. A late check-out fee of MYR100 per hour will incur if you check out later than 10.30AM.
• Climbers who reach Timpohon Gate after 4.30PM will be imposed a fee of MYR15 per hour/guide to be paid directly to mountain guide on the spot.
• Lunch will be converted to a packed meal for all climbers who reach the local restaurant after 16:00hrs on DAY 02 (Mt Kinabalu descent).
• Only for 3D2N package: Kinabalu Park twin-share room on day 1 will be determined by the supplier, according to availability at the time of check-in.
• Friendly Note From Sabah Parks:
• It is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommend that you should refrain from climbing: Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitation, Arthritis, Heart disease, severe anemia, Peptic ulcers, Epileptic fits, Obesity (overweight), Chronic asthma, Muscular cramps, Hepatitis (jaundice); or any other disease which may hamper the climber.

What To Wear

• Warm clothing or long sleeves
• Hiking pants
• Jacket/Wind breaker
• Trekking or running shoes with good grip

What To Bring

• Head torch (compulsory)
• Trekking pole (available for rent at Kinabalu Park HQ)
• Extra cash
• Waterproof backpack
• Extra clothing and socks
• Sandals / slippers
• Small towel and tissue paper
• Personal toiletries and plastic bags
• Hand gloves and winter hat
• Disposable raincoats
• Refillable water bottle (0.5 - 1 Litre)
• High energy food such as chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars
• Medication such as plasters, headache tablets or altitude sickness tablets
• Sun block, lip balm, and insect repellent
• Camera with water proof bag

Additional Information

• Hiring of porter services and renting of trekking pole / walking stick are available at Kinabalu Park HQ.
• Prepare small cash in local currency to pay Sabah Parks authorities for various expenses.
• Your extra luggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ at a nominal fee of MYR12 per piece prior climb.
• Tipping is never expected but will be much appreciated.