A self employed General Practitioner who lives with his lovely family in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He dedicates his spare time serving people with precious information on climbing the Majestic Mountain of the Borneo, Mt Kinabalu. Reachable at drizad(at)gmail.comWhere are other accommodation at Laban Rata?
Apparently Sutera have edited and upgraded their website. Gone are the basic information about the different types of huts that are available at Laban Rata. For seasoned climbers, they will know that there are 4 accommodations/huts in Laban Rata;
- Laban Rata Resthouse itself, which the only accommodation at Laban Rata which has heated room.
- Gunting Lagadan, non-heated.
- Waras Hut, non-heated.
- Panar Laban Hut, non-heated.
I was really surprised to see the website today, after receiving an email from one of my website visitors, saying that he could not find the huts that I mentioned from my website in Sutera’s new website. The old website showed each and every accommodation available in Kinabalu Park, Mesilau and Laban Rata, but this newly edited website did not show it.
Why they omitted the other accommodations from the website? Maybe they purposely (or is it by accident?) did not put up the other accommodations – Waras, Panar Laban and Gunting Lagadan – because it is not the same standard with Laban Rata.
Or maybe they just want to sell it to international travelers, which could afford that much money to spend climbing Kinabalu.
I used to spend only RM50 per bed in Laban Rata. Sigh…
February 26th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
yes, saw the website too – the published rates were really exorbitant! it’s a shame that SSL has to discriminate the locals just to get more business from foreigners…*sigh*
February 27th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
It’s true..I didn’t see the other type of accomodation as well.which no should i call to book the room, say Panar Laban, waras and also gunting lagadan?
March 4th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
yea…sutera is sucking all the money…they are going to turn the accommodation at Laban Rata to a 5 star-kinda lodging which is so not appropriate to do that, and i remember last time beds per head at Laban Rata was only RM48, without having to discriminize the rates into malaysian and non-malaysian. Can somebody or anybody out there do something to stop this price hiking from taking place again??
March 6th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Hi,
I’ve just got a quotation from Bimaz Tours S/B in KK for the climb. I was wondering if you could let me know if this agent is legit and trustworthy? I’m not fr KK, I hope you could help me before I part with my hard earn cash!!
BIMAZ TOURS, Lot 3, 2nd Floor, Block B, Putatan Business Centre
Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia
PS: I’m sorry if i’ve posted this at the wrong page.
Hope to hear from you/anyone soon. Thank Q.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Hello–
Yes, my eyes nearly popped out when i saw the price! But can anyone tell me something practical, like how do i actually go about booking the cheaper accommodation, ie a dorm bed? Or do they only exist for package tours? If I’m gonna be climbing the summit at 3am, i don’t really need a 546RM room for a few hours. I’d like to know how to do it on my own, but I don’t mind doing a package tour if that’s the only way. Any suggestions on organizing this from overseas?(only 1 of the 6 agencies i contacted replied to my e-mail). Thanks.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Here’s some inside information about the SSL website:
First, because visitors statistics showed that the vast majority of visitors are international, the prices on there are for them. However, if you actually contact SSL with your Malaysian IC number, you get a local rate.
When the international prices are placed alongside local rates, you won’t believe how the internationals moan – so that’s why on that point.
Then, the accommodation other than Laban Rata were omitted on purpose, because SSL doesn’t sell them directly. Those you can only book through travel agents. A concession that was made because apparently the travel agents complained.
And lastly, the prices may seem inflated, but you now get a packed lunch, dinner, breakfast and another lunch after you get down included with the room and when you strip those away (which to be fair, they don’t allow you to do), the room itself is hardly much more expensive.
And the underlying increase they justify with all the upgrades they’ve made to the lodging (better food, clean sheets, more hot showers, etc).
I agree they could have been a little more transparent about the whole thing, but deep down it’s actually more good than bad.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:15 am
Thanks Sabahbah for the feedback. Now that we know what happened to their website, hopefully the visitors know about it.
“but deep down it’s actually more good than bad” Is that really the case?
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
they should have been more transparent next time around to avoid unnecessary speculation haha
April 10th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I stayed at Gunting lagadan on my recent trip to Mount Kinabalu on 8 & 9 Mac 2008. There is no hot water during shower, the toilet is dirty, the room & bed smelly etc. The charges has been increased saying the facility has been upgraded BUT my experience tell me otherwise. Many from our group complained.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I have just got a booking confirmation of Gunting Lagadan from SSL. The px includes bed + meal, is RM208 total. I sent an email to their contact mailbox shown on Web, and got this confirmation within 2 days. Despite the px and unsatified comments, I m still happy to have a bed confirmed just 10 days before I go climbing.
April 19th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Hi, I wanted to book for my Uni-friends for 22 of them. However I dunno the procedure on how to booking the accommodation. “DR” can you tell me the email address for booking for the RM208 package?
April 19th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com
just email them…good luck!
April 19th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
OH oKay Thank’u
May 6th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Me too! I booked 2 beds at Laban Rata (dunno which bed tho? laban rata resthouse? or the non heated Huts?) They didn’t specify.
Cost me RM188 per head including dinner and breakfast. They did ask me whether I was Malaysian tho. I was shocked ler, cos ppl were telling me it was RM50 last year.
I was wondering when is breakfast? 2am? or after u descend from the Summit?
And apparently, my friends told me dinner is Buffet style…
May 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Dear Pennyloo, yup from this year started the price Rm188 is the M’sian packages for 2 days 1 nights including 4meals. Rest-House at Gunting Lagadan… (Rm188 is without heater).
May 12th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I b climb d Mount KK on coming Sept,now looking d accommodation at Laban Rata, but surprisingly d high price all-in-one package(bed & meal), they should put d price on more flexible alternatives e.g. for beds only + meals it should add in. How abt for the peoples they are vegetarian or small consumption? Or, just want have save d cost?!!
May 21st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
This september i will climb mt kk again and it cost me RM188 pp, and stayed at Waras Hut.Can anyone tell me how SSL allocate the accomoadtion at the resthouse? last year i did booking for gunting lagadan they booked me laban rata (which i was satisfied with the facility). This year i did the reservation for laban rata they allocate me waras hut without heater.sign…and costly for the simple hut. do not know it is clean and cosy. What we want it just accomodation. I’m afraid i will just wasting the meals they provided.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
@ching:
The best thing to do is just go and experience it yourself. I stayed in Gunting Lagadan & Laban Rata resthouse before, but not Waras & Panar Laban.
And when you come back, you can just pop in with your comments – whether it is worth the money you pay. I will help others who has not climbed before.
Anyway, Good Luck Ching!
May 29th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
We will be climbing this July with a climber friend. I have been emailing SSL since April 2008, no replies. Then, I told myself, “This is it. Do not waste your time waiting for reply. Call them!” So, I did call. I have always wanted to stay in the LR Resthouse, because I’ve read from many reviews that it’s worth paying plus the place is clean. And besides, the only difference from Panar Laban Hut, Gunting Lagadan and Waras Hut is RM20.
I’ve reaped the fruit of making overseas calls (AGHHHHH! My telephone bill!). Early May, the SSL has reserved the PANAR LABAN hut for me and my friend. The name of the hut did not invite happiness on my face because MANY reviews paint different pictures. Majority said, the place is dirty; cockroaches and rats would visit you, toilet is smelly..I do not know if it is really true (are there such species from animal kingdom in that high altitude?).
Good for me because everyday, I keep on emailing them.. begging to give us beds at LR Resthouse. They told me to wait for automatic cancellation or give them another date because the date I have chosen if fully booked.
I told them, I could not change the date because everything will be affected – reservation at hotel in KK City, reservation at Mountain Torq, and plane tickets.
I assured them of our commitment to the climb to the point of telling them, WE ALREADY HAVE PLANE TICKETS (which is true).
It is difficult to back out of your itinerary when you already have planned everything.
May be they have smelled our itchiness of wanting to stay at LRR. Thanks God, our itinerary could be followed. They gave us our invoice today, which my partner and I promised to pay on Monday.
I end my email with the SSL person, “I appreciate your hospitality.”
May 31st, 2008 at 10:46 am
Hi Ashna,
Thank you for the reply. I hope your trip will go as you wish.
About the other huts in Laban Rata besides Laban Rata Resthouse: Yes, you may be visited with mountain rats and cockroaches, but it is not as bad as it looks like. Dirty? I don’t think it is quite correct to blame them also, as the dirtiness is usually made up by the climbers who stayed there.
Although they have room services, we still have to do our part in keeping the places clean.
For me personally, I love to stay away from Laban Rata Resthouse, as it is too “commercialize”. Staying in other huts (in which, is non-heated) and get closer to the mountain nature is really an experience.
I don’t know about you, but it is worth a try…
BTW: You could even see big rats running happily at Sayat-Sayat Hut (13,000 feet above sea level)!!!
Good luck and drop us a reply when you get back!
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
thanks for the reply.any recomemendation to stay before the climb? at kk park or kk?
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
@ ching:
It depends on you actually. You could choose either.
If you stay in KK city, you have to wake up early in the morning of your climb to catch up transport to Kinabalu Park or Mesilau.
If you stay in Kinabalu Park, you don’t have to do that. And you will get the feeling of staying at high and cool altitude before you get the chance to climb.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Hi,
i’m planning for a trip to Mt KK for a group of 7 to 10pax.
I’m flying from JB to Mt KK which I think we’ll be reaching at 9pm.
There are a few quetsions that I hope experienced people can help me with:
1) How long does it take to travel from the KK airport to Kinabalu Park?
2) And what are the resorts available at Kinabalu Park?
3) There are 2 routes from either Mesilau or Timpohon? Which is better?
Thank you so much as I hope to make this a good trip for everyone.
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Dear Sunshine23,
If I’m not mistaken, it is a 2-3 hrs’ journey fr KK airport to Kinabalu Park. During my trip, I stayed at Kundasang. U may check out at sabah tourism website for details on hotels, chalets etc.
Most 1st time climbers take Summit Trail which starts fr Timpohon Gate, 6 km. Mesilau althought is very scenic, it is 8km trail. Depend on individual physical fitness it may takes 4-6 hrs walking up. For those taking Mesilau route will take additional 3-6 hrs.
I would advice 1st timers to stay 2 nights at Laban Rata. It is advisable that u spend another night at Laban Rata/Gunting etc after U reached the peak. U may be too tired with muscle pain to walk down to Timpohon Gate. So that u hv some rests b4 coming down to Timpohon gate.
I went sightseeing at KK town & Manuka island after the climb. If u hv the time do visit the island, its beautiful.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Thank you for the info. I did email to Sutera sanctuary lodge for the room reservation at KK Park. Too bad no reply from them till to day. It’s been weeks. is there a common things to wait for their reply or we have to send few room reservation to them?
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 am
@ ching:
Yes, it sucks when SSL did not reply/respond. Some climbers told me that it is waste of time waiting for their reply. It is better to contact them directly by telephone, in which, you may or may not get your place in Laban Rata.
I am sick with their services. They are really not customer/client friendly. But what to do? We don’t have much choices…
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Thanks Sally for your reply.
As we will be taking AirAsia, expected to arrive around 9pm at KK. Are you aware whether will there be any transport available there to bring us to the hotel at Kinabalu Park?
Do we book everything with SSL?
I was thinking of trying both route as in to climb by Timpohan and descend by Mesilau route.
Thanks again
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Dear Sunshine23-
U’ll arrive at 9pm, there r no transport for u’ll direct to kk park, some more even day time oso NO-Transport from airport to kk park.
1more thg-pls take note that for rsv resort for kk climbing, reservation have to be done 6 months earlier(if not normally resort will be full), n will u will get disappointed.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Dear Sunshine,
U cant tried 2 routes in 1 trip because if u enter at Timpohon gate, u hv to check out at Timpohon Gate. That’s the security reason otherwise a team of rescuers will look for u. By the way u will hv to follow ur guide’s instruction.
I hd a tour agent to arrange for all transport etc so no worries on these. Just prepare myself physically fit for the journey.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Hi guys,been interesting to read on your comments.I am travelling to KK on 19th Oct and am planning to climb Kinabalu on 20th Oct.Yes I checked the prices in SSL, and its a rip off .I am going on the suggestions that I call ahead to book, and am also scouring the Net for budget tour operators that might have a bed up there.Has anyone has any ideas on any budget tour operator that have these packages ready?And also, I would like to do Mesilau – summit – Timpohon.Any suggestions??I haven’t booked any accommodation and I’m travelling alone,the tour operators r charging based on 2 ppl,so if anyone is also travelling alone on that date pls let me know.Maybe we can team up.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
I agree #26 drizad Says,
I tried to conatct with SSL, I sent over 10 e-mails and I coulnd’t reply my reservation reservation.
At last I can contact them by phone at my 3rd trying. If you contact with them, first you should wait until they pick up the phone.
They are alive and busy and they pick up the phone at lastly.
After you make a reservation, they will reply easlily by fax or e-mail.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Guys! Yup, contact SSL by phone is better although the line is always busy. I’m climbing Mar 09 and get the price for 760RM for db rm. Anyone can suggest whether it’s gonna be cheaper if I go with a tour and which tour?
November 17th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
hello guys,
my frens and i plan to climb Mt Kinabalu on this coming Feb 2009. Could anyone give me a contact no. for either Panar Laban hut, Warasan HUt, or Gunting Lagadan Hut as cost staying at Sutera Sanctuary Lodgers is so expensive.
Your help is mush appreciated. Thanx…
November 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
@ NIzam:
For your information, Panar Laban, Waras Hut & Gunting Lagadan are managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. You need to contact them and ask specifically why they did not mention those places in the website.
Good luck.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
this is my booking for 4 person on march 09. stay at gunting lagadan 1 night and dormitory at mesilau nutural resort 1 night include 6 meals.
they get the price for 2004RM and inform me that is the new rate for year 2009. How should I do ?
December 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I booked a bed at Laban Rata for RM16! that was back in 2005. Last time there used to be 2 shower heads, 1 for hot and the other for cold water. The hot water is practically non existance..
I’ll be scaling the mountain again next yr in May. Goodness.. the price of the bed / head has gone up to RM360! But it comes with 3 meals, just last ur a buffet dinner there was RM46 per pax.. Sigh…
The price will be revised from 31 Dec 2009 onwards so now each climbers have to pay RM360 / pax for ther Laban Rata dorm.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I’ve booked a flight on 14-21 march 2009 to kinabalu. this gonna ge my first visit there. can anyone please assist me with contact number of panar laban hut or waras hut? thank you very much.
December 24th, 2008 at 8:24 am
@ bunda:
You have to contact Sutera for that…
January 4th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
hi there
i would be climbing mount Kinabalu for the 1st time and would need some advise as to where to stay at laban rata.
i want somewhere economical and was considering either Panar Laban, Waras Hut & Gunting Lagadan (non heated lodges). what do you think?
also, i am thinking of booking a night at grace hostel . is there any other cheaper beds at kinabalu hq or is it cheaper to stay outside kinabalu park?
any information will be greatly appreciated. so looking forward to this climb.
Elena
January 5th, 2009 at 7:43 am
@ elena:
You have to contact Sutera directly for more information:
http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com
January 19th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Hi,
Anyone climbing on 10Apr09? Been trying to get accommodation for the 3 of us, but was informed that they are full. Any lobangs for available space?
Greatly appreciate any information!
Yee
January 19th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Hello Yee,
You got to try to call the sutera lodge in KK PArk yourself till confirm as they in charge of the laban rata. think they monoply. no option to choose.
January 19th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Any one know how much is cost for accommodation at Laba Rata per nite?
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:04 am
hello vivian,
depends on the package you get. this year they increase the price again. better call sutera lodge personally to get all the information you want.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 am
Hi everyone,
Yes I agree reserving accommodation at LR can be challenging. Did it online about 3 weeks ago but no reply to date. I guess plan B has to come in. Call SSL for speedy response. Ha ha ha. Planning to go in June. About 18 of us. The quote given to us for the package was exorbitant. that’s why I’m exploring this option. Will let you guys know the outcome in due course.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi,
I just climb kk mountain last few months ago, I’m staying in KK now till May, and, I can arrange everything for u all, included transportation(bus) from KK(hotel) –Kundasang(climbing mountain starting point), booking n all. kindly email me at tanholl@hotmail.com
Only for Group Booking (10 and above)
Thank You,
Regards
Tan
March 17th, 2009 at 2:11 am
We are climbing the mountain in August but want somewhere nice to relax afterwards. Someone suggested Gayan Eco Resort – does anyone know if it is nice or can they suggest an alternative?
Thanks!
L
March 17th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hi, Louisa! I agree with you that Gayana Eco Resort is indeed a nice place to relax. But you have to be ready to pay quite an amount for that. If you plan to relax at a beach resort, Maybe you can try MIMPIAN JADI BEACH RESORT or PULAU TIGA BEACH RESORT. They provide good service with reasonable price too. HAPPY HOLIDAY !
April 15th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
anyone have free/extra slot for accomocation at laban rata on 23 or 24 april 2009? I cant book any. pls email me at lovelybao123@gmail.com. thanks!
April 17th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
To the Sabahbah, I have huge suspicion that you work for Sutera. On top, I just want to tell you that you don’t know what you are talking about.
1. As a “Sabahan”, I am furious with what the “business” is doing to all the climbers. As a season climber, we all know we DON’T EAT MUCH” when we climb due to the altitude and speed. I would like to know what is the 5 meals coming with the room that cost RM330 for?
2. On top, why doing a compulsory meals to the local climbers if they are so understanding to the locals?
3. Sabahbah mentioned statistics show more foreigners from international than local. I am very sorry to say you have never been there. Each time I was there, there is less than 10% foreigners. As a Sabahan growing up there, there are always more local climbing than international as every school and every organization will organize climb year on year. Of course if the cost stays, the local stays AWAY as we are poorer in currency.
4. The facilities are upgrade. Please take a look before making such comment. Again, it shows you, “Sabahbah”, never been up that mountain and don’t know anything at all.
To all the climbers, I am a Sabahan coming from Sandakan, climbed Mt.Kinabalu 2 times through Mesilau trail and have twice stay at Laba Rata Resthouse, once 2 nights and once 1 night.
I am highly offended as a Sabahan, if a Sabah’s treasure is forbidden from Sabahan to see and depend on whether we can pay the price or not.
For all that, Laban Rata Resthouse is fully book almost every month in every year due to its limited # of beds.
I would have to say no matter what they charge, we will still willing to pay because poeple who been there like us, know very well that Mt.Kinabalu is like pilgrimige to almost all Sabahans. We know how beautiful, awesome and amazing it is to climb and experience the scenery and reach the peak, besides the dirty toilet, smelly bed, etc.
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
looking to climb the mountain on 2nd June just looked at a travel agent cost – for package
Night Accommodation at Mountain Hut(Heated OR Non-Heated Room) Dormitory(Multi Sharing)- Subject to availability
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Packed Lunch, l Lunch and 1 Dinner
- 2 Ways Transfer (Kota Kinabalu City Hotel- Kinabalu National Park)
- 2 Ways Transfer (Reception – Timpohon Gate – Starting Point)
- National Park Entrance Fees, Climbing Permit, Insurance, Certificate of Achievement
- Mountain Guide
cost 1580 mr for 2 people. this seems a tad expensive to me. does anyone know anything cheaper? or is there a group we can join there are only 2 of us
May 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I couldn’t agree more with “The Cat”, we are Malaysians and we cannot really enjoy our own country’s treasures at a much discounted price. I actually booked for my flight August 2008 to climb in April 2009. Unfortunately by October 2008, I enquired most of the Travel Agent & SSL themselves said they are fully-booked and asked me to wait for last-minute cancellation but still at the cost of RM1000++/per person. I couldn’t wait for last-minute cancellation since we are in a group of 3-4 person at that time. So, we had to opt for island-hopping trip instead since we have already purchase our air ticket so much earlier.
Just a couple of days, I enquired again with the travel agent that I trusted that provide me with very good package in KK, and she called up SSL and its getting more pricey and shocking! Bookings more than 2 months in advance they are only selling their 3d/2n package (in a bid to FORCE people to stay with them) which the cheapest is at Rm 1142 per person!! This however DOES NOT include cost of climbing cert, mountain guide, transport, park conservation, climbing permit and insurance, so you would be looking at a price per head of RM 1400 per person. What?!
So, I checked how’s the availability for October 2009 and guess what the reply came back to me saying, the booking for October is not open yet? And now, it’s already May 2009?!?!
Anyway, I’m trying again to book for Mar/Apr 2010 and I’m going single, anybody would be able to include me in part of their group? I’ll be delighted to tag along as I was told group-booking can be so much cheaper as to Rm600-700 per person.
May 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I’ve just received a mail of a guest from Vietnam, telling me that they can’t book the accomodation on Mt.Kinabalu through SSL webside because it’s been fully booked untill MID OF YEAR 2010! Brothers & sisters out there, can you believe this? But I wonder why there are still many guest of mine managed to get an accomodation for the mountain even just 2 days before they climbed! Can anyone explain to me what is actually happening behind this scene? Or maybe all my guest who got the last minute booking were magician!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
i am planning to go kk for climbing at 15/16th Jan 2010, only 2 person go from johor. can i join any one there? i do the searching for travel agency in kk, they all quote me VERY expensive price. anyone can help here?
May 15th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Hi Milk! Please send your mail to me in order to get a much much cheaper price for 2D1N climbing package.Thank you.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
As stated in
http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/climbing-mount-kinabalu.html
Entrance fee non-Malaysian: RM15
Mountain guide fee: RM74-RM90 for 4 persons
Climbing permit for non-Malaysian: RM100
Insurance: RM7
Certificate: RM10
Return transfer both ways: RM60
Total of: RM280. This is excluding 1N accomodation
Above quoted us for RM790,
meaning accomodation at a minimal, non heated lodge is charged at RM510? And that’s only for a few hours stay before you move on to the night climb.
Sounds like daylight robbery mates. Clean up the lousy act please.
It seems like the mountain is run by a single manipulating operator who gives permits to the highest bidder who book packages with them. Which is probably why some of our poor friends like Faith above, can’t seem to get near the mountain.
Someone prove me wrong and tell us how then we can book ourselves the good ol’ non heated lodgings at reasonable pricess…
May 31st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hmm.. I was planning on going end of e year..
Thanks for the heads up achilles.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I intend to do a solo climb in the near future, what problem I might be facing?How much the mountain guide will charge for 1 person? Anyone can enlighthen me on that?
June 9th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
The SSL website did mention about Gunting Lagadan and it is also mentioned that it is a heated unit, but the post above say it is non-heated…which is correct? Thank you.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:10 am
There are altogether 4 lodges on the mountain that are runs by SSL. Laban Rata, Gunting Lagadan, Waras & Panar Laban. Among all these, ONLY Laban Rata has the Heated Dorm.The rest are Non-Heated.
For those who plan to do the solo climb, the Mountain Guide fee will be RM 85. I had always advice my guest try not to share a guide with others if you can afford. The reason is that , as a mountain guide is allow to bring 6 climbers, and among these 6, there might be some slower one, so as a team, you might need to wait for the slower one if you are a fast climber. Thank you.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Hi there, i and my frens are going to climb Mt KK at 30/7/09 . The accomodation we booked is Waras Hut. For what we know is it’s a non – heater Hut, is there any hot shower provided? any photos inside the hut? do anyone have experiences of staying in Waras hut? so that we could prepare ourselves during the trip, THank you~!
June 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Hey…. I want to go climbing on 11 july 09 but most tours are booked. Do any of you know any slots open with any tour operator. I am travelling alone…..
Thanks
June 29th, 2009 at 12:19 am
IMPORTANT WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not buy any packages or anything from Christopher Wong! He is organizing huge fraud. We paid him via Western Union and he disappeared after that. We are not the only case.
First receive confirmation, then pay!
p.s. Even though he successfully organized accommodation for our friends couple month ago, now he is cheating people.
July 5th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I search the update price from this website
http://www.pinganchorage.com.my/malaysia_hotel/sabah_gunung_mount_kinabalu_laban_rata_mountain_hut.htm
It is RM2094 for 6 dorm which is RM349 per pax exclude cert, tour guide, etc. The price really increase alots.
Initially I plan to KK mt again, but while I search thru the price, I won’t consider to go caused it definitely high cost for me.
July 5th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
VERY IMPORTANT WARNING
CHRISTOPHER WONG (WONG KEI MENG) is a cheater. He claim that he is working / owner of a tour agency & backpackers lodge. We contact the real owner and found out that he was fired long ago due to all this fraud cases. The real owner (Stephanie) advise us to buy with a licensed tour agency in the future.
[According to her, licensed tour agency will need to quote their license no. starting with KPL/LN or KKKP when doing transaction]
I WILL SHOW YOU HOW HE CHEATED US:-
He first quote cheap rate which is unbeatable by other agency, then request payment via Western Union / Bank Transfer into his PERSONAL ACCOUNT (HONG LEONG BANK BERHAD ACCOUNT NO. 01550143612). Whats next? DISSAPEAR WITH YOUR $$$
LUCKILY, Stephanie managed to arrange another package for us on the following day which climbing Mount Kinabalu is our intendtion of going to Sabah. I dont know if Stephanie is OK for me to advertise her cellphone number here but I will include her email address. Maybe you can try email her at stephanie.teo@summertours.com.my
July 8th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
This is a very interesting debate to follow. Keep them coming. Will bookmark
October 17th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
im wondering why they don’t allow us just to camp or put our tent at the summit like other mountains i had climbed before.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Last time I climbed Mt. K (mid 2007) it was about RM50-RM60 (I forget the exact price) for a heated dorm bed in the main Laban Rata guesthouse. It was slightly cheaper for the other dorms. People should keep in mind that the restaurant is inside Laban Rata, so worth paying for the bed there. The others are several hundred meters away. I’ve just gone to book the same trip again, but seen the prices. Wow, profiteering much?
People should also keep the mind that the price of the meals were expensive when the rooms were cheap, but not enough to justify the price increases; it used to be about RM40 for dinner.
I’m not going to be climbing the mountain again. There’s too many things to do in the world to waste time getting ripped off.
October 24th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Hi! Do you know kota kinabalu travel tours? Is this a legal tour company?
http://www.kotakinabalu-travel.com/tours
Thanks
November 8th, 2009 at 1:34 am
Hi,
I will be climbing on april 2010 and managed to book for laban rata heated room and grace hostel RM539 excluded others climbing fees like mt guide,certificate,insurance,climbing permit.
The price actually is crazy expensive compare last 3 years.
any advise for my trips
November 30th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Hi guys,
I also planning to go climbing on june of 2010. Now Laban Rata increase the price damn high.. and no more do the 2D1N only have 3D2N. The RM539 ins only include the insurance and permit.
I had ask few KK local agents. they said now Laban Rata give the Agent price even more higher than we direct book with Laban Rata. Laban Rata normally will quote agent 4D3N, It is alr cost RM700 something. And another agent said if wanna do 2D1N only can book one month be4 u go to climbing. If they have vacancy only will let u booking. It is very risk.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Hello,
Is the sayat sayat hut still available as accommodation? If so how do I reserve for them and how much do they cost? I stay there 10 years ago on my 1st climb. My experience was pretty positive then.
January 16th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Hi,
I will be climbing Mt K this coming 27th Jan 2010. May I know how is the weather there? heavy rain often? Is there additional things good to prepare? I am going to stay in waras hut cos it is the cheapest. May I know how to make the stay there more pleasant since its non-heated?
February 25th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
The 2D1N package is still available by the way. Just that they don’t publish it on the website. Of course they want to reap higher profits from tourists.
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
We will be on Borneo March 22nd – April 1st and would like to climb Mt Kinabalu. SSL says that only available accomodation is Panar Laban and total price per pax is 492 (package with food etc).
Anyone know if price and accomodation is acceptable?
And if reservations at the guest house are commonly cancelled and made availble last-minute?
March 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I have booked a package at cuti.com, it cost me MYR745 per person to get the 2D1N accomodation, all the meals, transfer from KK, climbing fees and mountain guide. But it’s bloody expensive I shall say? any reccommendation of which route to walk to the peak?
March 10th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Hi Guys – interesting forum
Trying to fathom our way through the accomodation possibilities for a jaunt up Mt Kinabalu. As others have stated, the Laban Rata seems fully booked for the foreseeable future according to their web site and having spoken to them – booked up in advance by tour operators perhaps ?
Can anyone reccomend any tour operators that offer a ‘reasonable’ cost for a rat / flea infested bed for the night mid April 2010 ? (in a month)
Cheers folks !
April 13th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
i just called up sutera for a accommodation for 2 ppl in laban rata for staying on 29 april. they said i will have to take the ‘premium package’ which include one night stay in KK park, one night in laban rata, food,transfer to climbing trail . so far as i know the lodges are very very basic. can u believe how much they asked for these? Singapore dollar 1395!!!!(3290 myr)!!!
April 13th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Why were you asked to take the premium package?
I am in the midst of doing some research to exploit the exploitations of SSL, will you be agree to an interview if needed? – this will be in collaboration with Malaysiakini.
I can be contacted at kunarajandran@gmail.com
April 15th, 2010 at 1:58 am
hi,i m going to climb Mt.kk in this jun.this is my 1st time climbing and i m alone.i try to make it by a minimum cost.can u suggest me a plan?
i refer to SSL website,and the room price is …oh no!!i dun mind to stay in non-heated.do u know the price of PANAR LABAN HUT or WARAS HUT or any 1 of it?
last question,can i only book the room when i reach KK park?it is possible?