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2 Days 'Lows Peak Circuit' Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
To enquire this adventure, there is an enquiry button at the end of the page. If you have already read this page, you may ENQUIRE HERE without scrolling down.
There are 2 new trails leading up to Mount Kinabalu summit from Laban Rata; Kota Belud Trail, and Ranau Trail. Currently only Ranau Trail is completed and available to climbers as of 1 December 2015. It is several hundred meters longer from the old summit trail providing a little more excitement.
Only 120 climb permits will be issued per day by Sabah Parks.
Timpohon Trail from Kinabalu National Park is the main trail to ascend up to Laban Rata and descent. Mesilau Trail from Mesilau Park has not been repaired and remains closed indefinitely.
Can't find a cheap deal for accommodation or a bed on Mount Kinabalu main base camp, Laban Rata? This affordable Mountain Torq via ferrata package will get you a bed on the mountain and adds a safe and thrilling vertical climbing adventure as well. Going on the via ferrata (iron road or path) route will provide you even more stunning views of Sabah's lowlands and will also allow you to explore hidden corners of the mountain's plateau.
At 3,776 meters Mountain Torq's via ferrata has the world record as the highest via ferrata in the world on top of Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO world heritage site, and it is the first via ferrata in Asia. They have also been awarded by the Guiness Book of Records for being the world's highest via ferrata. Another fact is that Mountain Torq is Asia's first mountaineering training center.
Mount Kinabalu is located inside Kinabalu Park where there are over 800 species of orchids and over 600 species of ferns. Besides a rich plant life, the park is also home to over 300 species of birds. Many of the species of flora and fauna are endemic to this location.
WHOA Adventures had been the first organization to promote Mountain Torq's via ferrata. Our discounted packages are still the most affordable. We were also the first few to sample the via ferrata routes before they officially launched at the end of 2007. Since then, we have introduced this exhilarating adventure to thousands of visitors coming to Mount Kinabalu.
The via ferrata team are a group of dedicated and passionate outdoor enthusiasts who came together to bring the excitement of mountaineering activities to people of all ages at Mount Kinabalu. They are also qualified mountain climbers and educators, safety is their utmost priority and so is personal responsibility. The route and equipment is routinedly checked and assessed by qualified via ferrata specialists to ensure the adventure is safe while providing the high tension excitement!
The via ferrata was featured on Discovery Channel's Passage to Malaysia Sabah Highlands episode. See trailer below.
The Low’s Peak Circuit (LPC) (Not to be confused with Low's Peak, the highest point on Mount Kinabalu)
Duration 4 - 5 hours
Suitable for ages: 17 to 70 years old
Grading - Intermediate
Hike up to Low's Peak, Mt Kinabalu's highest point at 4,095m. On descent, take a via ferrata detour to see stunning views and explore hidden corners of the mountain plateau.
LPC is physically demanding. It is for those who are sure-footed, not fearful of heights, want to scale South East Asia's highest point and the World's highest via ferrata.
KEY FACTS
- Highest point at 3,776m a.s.l.
- Length of route 1.1km
- Vertical height traverse 365m
- Capacity: Only 2 groups of 6 persons are allowed on the LPC trail per day. That is a maximum of 12 persons. VERY LIMITED SLOTS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Possibly one of the world’s highest suspension bridge at 3,600m a.s.l
- Possibly one of the world’s highest 'Nepalese' bridge at 3,580m a.s.l
- Connects to the shorter Walk the Torq route
Accommodation
Pendant Hut at 3,270 meters above sea level is Mountain Torq's exclusive accommodation with a capacity of 30 people at one time. The cozy accommodation with a nice view has a dining area, non-heated rooms with dormitory-bunk beds, a small pantry and common bathrooms with water heaters that produce, at best, lukewarm water due to the cold water temperatures. Beds come with sleeping bags and pillows but no teddy bears.
Electricity is available 24 hours however there may be times when there are power outages. No cooking is allowed at Pendant Hut. Hot cooked food is available at Laban Rata Guesthouse Cantee.
What happens if there is bad weather when i'm on the mountain?
There are fixed starting times for the via ferrata which you will briefed at Pendant Hut. In the case of bad weather not subsiding, Mountain Torq via ferrata guides will make the decision if it is safe to go on the via ferrata. Your Sabah Park mountain guide will decide if it is permissible go up to the summit. There are no refunds for unused portions or if you are late on meeting times.
If you are worried about bad weather on the mountain preventing you from your mission to reach the summit or to walk on the via ferrata then consider the 3 day Via Ferrata program instead. The extra night gives you a back up day.
Itinerary and Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)
Below provides a general idea of the itinerary.
Day 1
8:00 am Find own way to Kinabalu Park HQ. (2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabalu Park HQ)
Compulsory pre-check in at Mountain Torq’s office with each participants valid passport or Malaysian Identity Card then proceed to make arrangement at Sabah Park counter (Own arrangement – you may do this a day before)
Meet your self arranged Sabah Park mountain guide. Transfer to Timpohon Gate or Mesilau Park (Own arrangement).
8:30 am Start hiking up Mt Kinabalu from Timpohon Gate @ 1,866m
3:00 pm Arrive at Pendant Hut @ 3,289m and settle in
3:30 pm Attend the mandatory via ferrata familiarization in Pendant Hut and meet your via ferrata trainer
6:00 pm Dinner at Laban Rata’s canteen
8:00 pm Lights out
Day 2
1:30 am Wake up and early morning supper
2:30 am Start hiking up to the summit with your self arranged Sabah Park licensed mountain guide
5:40 am Catch the sunrise on Low’s Peak, the highest point on Mount Kinabalu
6:00 am Descent from Low’s Peak
6:30 am Meet your via ferrata guide at the 7.5 km mark for your Low’s Peak Circuit via ferrata experience (intermediate via ferrata, 4 to 5 hrs, French grade AD)
11:00 am Return to Pendant Hut for a well earned late breakfast
12:00 pm Check out of Pendant Hut and descent to Timpohon Gate with your Sabah Parks’ mountain guide
6:00 pm onwards, Arrive at Timpohon Gate or Mesilau Park
Head to the Kinabalu Park HQ to collect certificates if you are successful for Via Ferrata and buy some souvenirs.
Rate for Travel Dates between 1 April 2019 until 31 March 2020
| Rate per person | |
|
2D1N BASIC Accommodation, Meals, LPC |
1730 |
What is included?
BASIC package includes ONLY one via ferrata circuit, meals and accommodation.
Activities indicated above itinerary
1 night at Pendant Hut
1 early morning Continental breakfast/supper @ Pendant Hut
1 late morning American breakfast @ Pendant Hut
1 buffet dinner @ Laban Rata Restaurant
Via Ferrata certificate for successful climbers
What is excluded?
Lunch for ascend up the mountain
Round trip transportation between KK town and Park HQ (for basic packaged)
All Sabah Parks’ tariffs, permits, transport and Mountain guide services. See here for rates. This is easily arranged when you arrive at Kinabalu Park or Mesilau Nature Park.
Meals not stated
Extra drinks and meals
Any other items not listed in the inclusion list
What to wear or bring?
Clothes
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Warm clothing like fleece jacket, hiking pants
Change of clothes for sleeping
Protective Gear
Cap / beanie / head scarf (to keep warm at night and in the early morning)
Gloves that suitable for holding icy cold cables and ropes (very important)
Sunglasses, sun block and SPF lip balm
A rain cover for your backpack
Comfortable covered trail/ hiking shoes
Useful and Practical Extras
A small / lightweight towel
Personal toiletries
Refillable water bottle
Handheld torchlight or a head lamp (preferred)
Camera
Energy snacks such as chocolate, nuts, biscuits, sweets or energy bars (you will need snacks and drinks during breaks on the via ferrata)
A small backpack to carry your things on the via ferrata
Hot water is available at Pendant Hut and Laban Rata Guesthouse. No cooking is allowed at both locations.
Getting here
Kinabalu Nature Park is 88 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu, or minimum 1 hour and 30 minutes away by road transportation. Mesilau is another 30 minutes away.
By bus, visitors can take a bus headed to Kundasang or Ranau at the City Bus Terminal (North). Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau are available from 7.30a.m to 5p.m. Bus transport is only suitable if you plan to stay a night at KInabalu Park or Mesilau Nature Park before the climb the next day. This is due to its infrequency and non-fixed schedules.We suggest you start trekking by 9am for a casual stroll up the mountain with plenty of time to take in the sights and to acclimatize.
To return to Kota Kinabalu, take a bus across road outside Kinabalu Park (reconfirm with Kinabalu Park reception counter) headed to Kota Kinabalu.
By taxi, visitors can take the Ranau taxi at the Ranau taxi stand (next to the Merdeka Field) or request from the hotel lobby.
Visitors can also rent a car and drive by themselves.