Mount Kinabalu Trek Day 02 | Borneo | Malaysia

I Continue From Here: Mount Kinabalu Trek Day 01 | Borneo | Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu

Maximum Altitude: 4,095m / 13,435ft

Location: Kinabalu Park, Ranau district 

State/Country: Sabah / Malaysia(Borneo)

Total Distance: 18km (Return)

Altitude Gain: 2,229m/7,313ft

Number of Days: 2 Days 

Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult

Day 02:  Panalaban Base Camp (3,272m/ 10,735 ft) to Low’s peak (4,095m/13,435 feet) and back to Timpohon Gate (1,866m/6,122 ft) - 12km/9H

Without identities

11 September 2026

We woke up at around 1AM. Freshened-up and went down for breakfast. The chefs were still busy in the kitchen. An elaborate menu was being prepared. At around 1:45AM, the counter opened and we had good food - French toast, rice noodles etc. I tried to keep my intake to bare minimum considering the steep climb I had to start soon. 

At 2:15AM, as Terrance had informed, we were ready to begin. With our head torch guiding us, we began the climb. After a certain distance, Taiyen as usual went ahead. The boys from Singapore were finding it difficult and Terrance had to stay with them. Sally and I, without any spoken discussion, decided mentally to stay together as our speeds matched and we did not want to loose track of trail alone. 

In some steep portions, there were ropes attached to aid ascent. Slowly, we climbed in the dark. Silhouettes of surrounding mountains were visible. 

At around 5AM, we were very close to the summit and a thin strip of orange light lit up the sky behind the peaks. 

The last small hill leading upto the Low’s peak was truly the most hardest part of all. It was very steep and it took my breath when I reached the summit. It was terribly windy up there. I took some pictures and walked a little down to enjoy the sunrise. Sally and I stayed there for a while enjoying the view before walking back. The wind made it hard to stay there for long. Moreover, we could not get a full sunrise due to clouds. What we saw was nevertheless breathtaking. 

The surrounding mountains looked like they were shells of a tortoise or shining grey sea shells arranged one next to another. Though I have been at higher altitude than this, this felt different. The terrain, the stone texture was different. 

I honestly feel happy when I am trekking. In the wilderness, I seem to shed all the identities we carry as humans. For a brief moment, I feel one with nature, free from the illusions we create around ourselves. Even if it lasts only a little while, it is a feeling I cherish before returning to the chaos of civilisation.

We met the boys from Singapore and Terrance on our way back. One of them was exhausted but they were close. We wished them luck and continued our descent. 

On our way back, I spoke a little to Sally about her stay in Malaysia. She is visiting the country as her partner is working here. He is a teacher at a traveling school - A concept I had heard for the first time. This kind of school travels to various countries and spend few weeks or months there - students and teachers. Sally joins him every time he travels and takes the opportunity to explore a new culture. She works in Australia as a nurse. I found the concept of Traveling school very interesting. It would be great to work in a school such as that. 

While we were close to the rest house, I saw this beautiful bird walk close to me. It was very friendly and walked by where I stood.

Back at the rest house, I enjoyed a heavy breakfast. There was a lot of food and I filled my stomach as I knew I had to walk a long way back. After a good meal, Sally and I began our walk back. Taiyen walked ahead. He made sure to Take selfie and telling us good bye before he walked ahead. He was planning on taking the 2PM bus. We were sure that we would only make it to the 4PM one. 

Sally and I walked slowly. I think she was a bit to tired and was finding the descent much harder. I matched my pace with her and we slowly walked back. The descent, honestly was so tiring. I couldn’t feel my legs. They almost went numb. We had been walking since 2AM in the morning. 

By the time I reached Timpohon Gate, I was exhausted. We boarded the van and headed to headquarters. The coordinator handed us our colourful certificate. It was impressive. He had packed us lunch as we had to leave on the bus that was waiting. 

Taiyen and Sally got dropped off before me and finally I was dropped at the hostel. 

At the hotel, I freshened up and relaxed for a bit. I walked to the nearby store were I had seen some good postcards and bought them. I treated myself with a slice of pastry in a nearby patisserie called Secret Recipe. I had my dinner there. Tired that I was, that night I slept really well.

To Be Continued...