Borneo Crocker Range

Climbing Mount Kinabalu / Via Ferrata

Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is located in the east Malaysian state of Sabah and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the 4th tallest mountain in the Malay Archipelago after Indonesian Papua's Puncak Jaya, Puncak Trikora and Puncak Mandala.[1] Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence.

In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).

The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with over 4500 species of plant, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among this rich collection of wildlife are famous species such as the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orangutan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.

The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be climbed quite easily by a person in peak physical condition. If not fit enough, though, the climb can be very hard despite there being no need for mountaineering equipment at any point on the main route. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

Via ferrata (or iron road in Italian), is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world and the world's highest via ferrata, can now be found on Mt Kinabalu in Malaysia.

This is the first time that the sport of via ferrata climbing is being introduced in Asia. The highest point for the via ferrata starts at 3,400 m and ends at 3,800 m. An activity for everyone, the via ferrata is devised to give people with little or no climbing experience access to rock faces normally reached by mountaineers and rock climbers.

There are several requirements to follow the via ferrata activity, including having an average fitness level and able to hike up to 3,200 m in 6 hours; at least 10 years old and 1.3 meters tall, and especially do not have a fear of heights (or willing to conquer their fear of heights!).

This is challenging adventure, and those interested to experience via ferrata on Mt Kinabalu should note that the beginner's route will let the climber take their first experience along the granite walls of Mt Kinabalu (a journey of about 2- 3 hours).

The intermediate route will let the climber experience a 4 to 5 hours journey, which will reward the climber with a breathtaking view of the heights and sights. Ready to take the challenge? Give via ferrata on Mt Kinabalu a try!

Back