Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu)

is a prominent mountain in Southeast Asia. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, which is on the island of Borneo. Its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level. The mountain with over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among them are the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orang utan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Climbing route
Climbers must be accompanied by guides at all times. The climb starts at the Kinabalu park headquarters at 1,585 m (5,200 feet).

Accommodation is available inside the park or outside near the headquarters. From there, climbers proceed to the Timpohon gate at 1866 m (6,122 ft), either by minibus or by walking, and then walk to the Laban Rata Resthouse at 3,270 m (10,728 ft). Most people accomplish this part of the climb in 3 to 6 hours. Since there are no roads, the supplies for the Laban Rata Resthouse are carried by porters, who bring up to 30 kilograms of supplies on their backs. Hot food and beverages, hot showers and heated rooms are available at the resthouse. The last 2 km (2600 ft), from the Laban Rata Resthouse at 3,270 m to Low's Peak (summit) at 4,095.2 m, takes between 2 and 4 hours. The last part of the climb is on naked granite rock.

Given the high altitude, some people may suffer from altitude sickness and should return immediately to the bottom of the mountain, as breathing and any further movement becomes increasingly difficult.More importantly, these kinds of difficulties can be a sign of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness, which can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or/and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Acetazolamide (Also known as "Diamox" is often used for preventing / treating acute mountain sickness.