KOTA KINABALU: The earthquake that struck Ranau in June last year has not deterred people from climbing Mount Kinabalu. After it was reopened in December, tour operators have received endless bookings.
The new trails offer a majestic view. But is mountain-climbing expensive? The price differs for Malaysians and non-Malaysians, depending on packages and operators.
Sabah Parks, a conservation-based statutory body that manages Kinabalu Park, including the mountain, offers the cheapest rate for Malaysians. However, it does not handle reservations for foreign climbers.
A saleswoman said the rate for Malaysians was less than RM600 for its two-day-one-night (2D1N) Lemaing Hut package.
“The booking fee is RM269 for adults and RM249 for those under 18. The fee includes permit, insurance, accommodation and meals. Climbers need to pay additional fees on arrival at Kinabalu Park.”
She said a RM3 conservation fee would be charged, adding that the fee for a mountain guide cost RM230. A guide could either lead five climbers aged over 16 or two climbers below 16.
She said if a climber required a porter, it would entail a charge of RM65 per day. A porter was allowed to carry items weighing only a total of 10kg from Timpohon to Laban Rata.
If items weighed more than 10kg, RM13 would be charged for each additional kilogramme. Sabah Parks charged between RM4.50 and RM34 for transportation to Kinabalu Park. However, this was optional.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Inexpensive deals to climb Mount Kinabalu
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