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.
Sanctuary Sutera Lodges, which operates Kinabalu National Park, offers a RM509 2D1N package for Malaysians and the rate is inclusive of meals and accommodation at the Laban Rata Resthouse.
The RM709 three-day-two-night package (for Malaysians) includes a night’s stay and meal at Kinabalu Park on the first day and meals and accommodation at the mountain.
“For foreigners, there are RM781 and RM1,190 for our 2D1N packages. They do not include insurance as Sabah Parks provides for it,” said a Sanctuary Sutera Lodges worker.
She said additional payments for conservation, porter, guide and climbing permit needed to be paid to Kinabalu Park. As for transportation to the park, Sanctuary Sutera Lodges offered a return transfer at RM650 with a maximum of six persons per car.
Other tour operators may charge more for their packages, but climbers who are looking for the cheapest rate can cut expenses on porter and transportation.
Due to limited space, climbers are advised to book at least six months in advance as only 135 people are allowed to climb the mountain daily.