4 Days Mount Kinabalu Climb (Via Ferrata)

Alpine sport climbing is a form of rock climbing which is conducted at a high-altitude rock routes in an alpine setting. Mountain Torq’s alpine sport climbing activity is conducted on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.

Mountain Torq is the world's highest and Asia's first via ferrata that starts at 3,776m and ends off at 3,520m above sea level on Mt Kinabalu in Sabah. Mountain Torq enables climbers and non-climbers to experience the thrill of mountain climbing while taking in the spectacular surroundings.
Is via ferrata is the same as rock climbing? How about alpine sport climbing?
No, via ferrata is not the same as rock climbing. Although they both occur in the same area and the same environment, via ferrata climbing is easier than rock climbing and does not require you to have any prior experience.
Meanwhile, for alpine sport climbing, it is similar in terms of the usage of equipment and skills. The only difference is the condition, challenges and environment. For Mountain Torq Alpine Sport Climbing, the routes are set up with ready bolted pin and anchors fixed on the mountain wall for protection. Contrast to traditional rock climbing, where climbers themselves must place removable protection as they find their own climbing route on the rock surface.

Climbers and non-climbers aged between 10 and 70 who are fit and healthy, not afraid of heights, and want to experience the mountain in a whole new way plus to experience rock climbing in an alpine environment. Oh and by the way, you also have to be at least 1.3m tall.

Absolutely not! If you can climb a ladder, you can do via ferrata. Mountain Torq offers a variety of itinerary starting from beginner to advance to sooth the different level of experiences of guests who wish to do Mountain Torq latest alpine sport climbing at Mount Kinabalu.

Yes. You and your group will be assigned a Mountain Torq via ferrata Trainer (aka Trainer). Our Trainers are there to give you a full safety briefing and training on how to use the safety devices. They are also there to climb with you to provide tips on how to negotiate the more difficult obstacles as well as highlight some of the spectacular sights along the way.

Sorry, due Sabah Parks’ regulations, a Mountain Torq Trainer is required to accompany you at all times.

You will have to be prepared to join other via ferrata climbers.

The maximum number is 6 per group. Therefore, you will have to be prepared to join other climbers.

For via ferrata activity, our start time is between 6:30am to 7:30am while for alpine sport climbing it will be based on the itinerary.

Our Trainers will meet you at Pendant Hut on the first day and they will advise you on the actual meeting point for your chosen itinerary during the briefing session in the afternoon of your arrival.

Your Trainer will be waiting for you at Pendant Hut between 3pm and 4pm for your familiarization session. During the session, you will be:
- Familiarised with the via ferrata equipment
- Walked through an initial via ferrata practice round
- Informed of the actual meeting point for your chosen activity and; - Reminded of the cut off meeting time for your activity (6.30am–Low’s Peak Circuit, 7.15am–Walk the Torq)

Quite simply, YES, you have to attend the briefing which is conducted between 3pm to 4pm at Pendant Hut. Updated and accurate as of May 2016

We do not bring clients up on the via ferrata or the sports climbing route before day break due to safety concerns

You’ll have to hike up Mt Kinabalu, which is approximately a 4 to 6 hour intensive hike. Your speed will depend on your fitness level and prior hiking preparations are required and highly recommended

Hiking up Mt. Kinabalu requires more physical strength and endurance. We’ve seen too many people take physical preparation for granted and come physically and mentally ill prepared to even climb Mt. Kinabalu. Many will try to rush up and down the mountain in 2 days and realised that if they had spent 1 more day, they would have enjoyed it more.

We recommend a minimum of 3 days 2 nights to be able to start enjoying your trip on Mt Kinabalu. The beauty and grandeur of Mt Kinabalu can only be appreciated when you are able to spend at least 2 days at the top of the mountain, especially with a hot drink in your hands, the scenery around you and the sounds of nature. We understand that most people will say that a 2 Days 1 Night trip is good enough to stand on the summit and experience the via ferrata, but they miss out on enjoying the chance to enjoy the beauty and peace the mountain has to offer. Also, most importantly, they also do not realise that on a 2 Days 1 Night trip, they will return back to Kota Kinabalu very late at night hungry, exceedingly tired, and they will need more days to recover from their trip.

Mountain Torq is located above 3200m on Mt. Kinabalu’s Panalaban rock face. To get there, it is a 4- 7 hour hike from Mt Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Once you reach the Panalaban rock slab, which houses a group of mountain lodges including our own Pendant hut, a short 15 to 20 min walk will lead you to the start of the via ferrata. To get to the alpine sport climbing site, you’ll have to do a short climb through part of the via ferrata route first.

Pendant hut is located at 3,289m on the Pana Laban rock face. When you arrive at the Laban Rata rest house, you will see Pendant hut on your right-hand side perched above a rock path.

You will be climbing a major mountain and you are strongly advised to be in a physically fit condition. Here are some suggestions from the Alpine Guides Association “The best preparation for mountain sports always involves good amount of cardiovascular exercise outdoors (running, cycling, mountain biking etc.) and getting out for long days in the hills whenever possible.
If you do the amounts of regular weekly cardiovascular exercise indicated on the fitness level for your course during the 2-3 months leading up to your trip, you should be reasonably well prepared. Don't forget to read the trip descriptions/ itinerary carefully to find out what else is involved too, so you can tailor your preparation accordingly.
MOUNTAIN TORQ recommends all customers to engage in cardiovascular sports at least 2 twice a week, with each session being a minimum of 2 hours in duration. The exercise program should commence at least 2 months before you start your Mt Kinabalu adventure.

For personal items, here's a checklist of the minimum essential items on that you will need to bring:
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Warm clothing like fleece jacket, hiking pants
Change of clothes (you may not want to sleep in what you sweat in!)
Cap / beanie / head scarf (helps prevent heat loss, especially at night and in the early morning)
Gloves
A small / lightweight towel
Personal toiletries
Refillable water bottle
Torchlight (preferably a head torch)
Camera
Comfortable covered trail/ hiking shoes
Trekking poles
Energy snacks e.g. chocolate, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars
Sun protection - Sunglass, sun screen lotion, SPF lip balm (beware of the strong UV rays)
A small backpack to hold your things
A raincover for your backpack
And of course, AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT!

We do not recommend guests to use their own camera during the Via Ferrata due to safety reason.

Free rental for all safety devices: harness, lanyard, helmet etc. (**including a log book for the alpine sport climbing)
Via ferrata familiarization for all participants. Alpine sport climbing briefing
Guiding services of our via ferrata/alpine sport climbing Trainers

Please take note of Sabah Park’s Mountain guide overtime charges applicable for the day of decent.
RM15 per group per hour after 4pm
RM30 per group per hour for arrivals after 5pm onwards

1. Physical and Medical Requirement
1.1 Mountain Torq requires that all guest(s) booked on Mountain Torq’s itineraries to be fit and healthy. Guest(s) will be required to meet the Sabah Parks’ minimum health regulation. Sabah Parks indicates that people with the history of heart disease, hypertension, chronic asthma, peptic ulcer, severe anaemia, diabetes, epileptic fits, arthritis, palpitations, hepatitis, muscular cramps, obesity and any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude is not encouraged to climb the mountain. Kindly refer to the latest updates in Sabah Parks’ website at: http://www.sabahparks.org.my/services/climbing-mount-kinabalu
2. Minimum requirement for eligibility to stay in Pendant Hut
2.1 Pendant Hut is the accommodation for guest(s) who are booked on Mountain Torq’s Via Ferrata and Alpine Sports Climbing itineraries.
2.2 Guest(s) must be:
* Minimum 10 years old
* Weigh less than 100kg
* At least 1.3m in height
* Meet Sabah Parks’ health requirement
* Do not have any physical disabilities that may restrict the guest(s)’ ability to participate in the activity in a safe manner.

3. Customer Details
3.1 For guest (s) without any medical condition:
Completed guest details must be submitted to Mountain Torq preferably upon booking or within 7 days of the bookings’ confirmation. Details or changes submitted within 7 days of the guest’s arrival date will be subjected to a levy of between RM50 to RM100 per pax. In the case where bookings are made within 7 days of arrival date, completed guest details will have to be submitted upon booking.
3.2 For guest(s) requiring special consideration:
Details must be highlighted to Mountain Torq within 7 days of booking or at least one month before the arrival date, the earlier date will apply. Mountain Torq requires medical clearance letter to certify that the guest(s) is/ are fit to undertake the trek up to the summit and proceed with the via ferrata activity above 3600m a.s.l.
Mountain Torq reserves the right to contact the customer directly to assess the guest(s)' eligibility to participate in their selected Mountain Torq’s activities, if/as deemed necessary. Mountain Torq reserve the right to refuse the guest(s) from participating without refund or reimbursement if insufficient time is given to MT to ascertain the guest(s)’ eligibility.
Any request to consider this/ these guest(s) to stay at Pendant Hut and proceed with activity that comes less than 1 month will not be entertained.
4. Guests Check-In & Verification Process:
4.1 All guests booked for Mountain Torq itinerary must personally present their original identification document during verification at Mountain Torq’s Kinabalu Park Office. Guests will not be verified without these documents.
Guest(s) are highly advised to personally verify their details during registration at Mountain Torq’s Kinabalu Park office.
4.2 Guests must be registered and verified latest by 8.30 a.m. on the actual arrival date. Late registration will not be entertained without approval from Sabah Parks.
4.3 Guests must attend the compulsory Via Ferrata safety briefing and training session at Pendant Hut, between 3.00 to 4.00 p.m. There will be NO repeat briefing and NO Via Ferrata on the next day should the guests miss the mandatory briefing.
4.4 Guest(s) must arrive at the Via Ferrata starting point before 6.30a.m. (LPC) and 7.15a.m. (WTT). Guest(s) who miss the cut-off time will not be allowed on the Via Ferrata. Any request for reimbursement will not be entertained.
4.5 No partial refunds or credit will be given for unused services. In the event of inclement weather where the activity is terminated, there shall be no refund accorded. Activity cancellation is STRICTLY due to SAFETY REASON.

Proper Footwear Notice
Recently, we have notice that there are a few Via Ferrata customers wearing improper shoes for the Via Ferrata activity. As we all know, safety is paramount in any outdoor sport and this is no exception. We at Mountain Torq want our guests to have the best experience without compromising on safety standards. Therefore, we would like to remind you to brief your customer what type of shoes that proper and improper to wear for Via Ferrata activity.

Customer are suggested to wear below: -
Hiking Boots
Specialist Via Ferrata Boots
Walking Shoes (good grip)
Trekking Shoes