Mount Kinabalu is the highest of the Malay archipelago and ascent towards its summit is challenging but doable for many climbers, especially if they are assisted by local guides. Standing on top of it is already a reward, but embracing the first light of the morning sun will carve an unforgettable mark in your memory.
Mount Kinabalu is 4,095 meters high and you can manage the climb in one day. But this means that you may miss observing the unique nature of this area. The biological diversity of Kinabalu is astonishing as there are more than 5,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and about 100 various kinds of mammals. Also if you rush to the top in one single day, you won't have a chance to see the sunrise.
For this reason, many hikers prefer to take an overnight stay in a Laban Rata Resthouse, located at 3,272 metres. By leaving it in the middle of the night you can reach the summit together with the sun.
The best months for climbing Mount Kinabalu are February, March, and April, as it is a dry season and the sky is clear for the most of the time. Besides, October through January is a monsoon season with worst conditions in November–December.
