Kinabalu Park : The Climb To The Peak, Malaysia First World Heritage Area via Mesilau

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its ‘outstanding universal values’ and role as one of the world’ most important biological sites.

The Mesilau route to the summit starts from Mesilau Resort and leads to Layang-Layang. It was opened in October 1998 initially used mainly by scientist and researchers as it takes longer about 5 – 6 hours to reach Layang Layang compare to Timpohon.

The trail is a good one for people who are more interested in flora and fauna than the actual climb to the summit. Some little streams are crossed before reaching the Kipuyut bridge across the swift-flowing West Mesilau River that cascades from the precipitous slopes. Near the 3km mark, a tributary of the river is again crossed. From here the trail follows the ridge, rising steeply and continuously, up and up and up in an almost never ending series of steps for about 2km. The whole Mesilau route to Layang Layang is 5.7km (3 ½ miles).

After a night’s rest, most climbers leave at about 3am for the 3 hour trek (pending on fitness level) to the summit and to catch a magnificent sunrise. In the dark, you can see the beams of torch lights as the procession of climbers trudge higher and higher. There are ladders, hand railings and ropes to help you over the steeper slopes.

An hour from Panar Laban, you’ll see Sayat-sayat hut (3,668m), this is the highest shelter on the mountain for the park use only. You will need to walk across the bare granite slabs that stretch endlessly ahead.

By about 6am, you reach your final destination, low’s peak (4,095.2m).

A chasm stretching 16km in length, it separates the summit plateau into Western and Eastern Plateaus. Other peaks on the mountain are Victoria’s Peak (4,090m), Donkey Ears Peak (4,054m), South Peak (3,921.5m) on the Western Plateau. On the Eastern stands King Edward Peak (4,086m), Mesilau Peak (3,801m) and Kind George Peak (4,062m). This peaks are only for experience climbers as it is challenging. Special Permits from the Park authorities is required.

(Articles courtesy taken from Sabah Tourism Board)