Pui Ying was studying in the UK and joined us in the Peak District on several hikes, successfully completing the Edale Skyline Challenge. Returning to Malaysia, Pui Ying took on Mount Kinabalu.  Here’s Pui Ying’s introduction to Malaysia’s highest mountain, her account of a fantastic achievement, and her top tips for trekkers …

Mount Kinabalu

Standing at 4,095 metres above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws hikers from around the world. The hike is a challenging two-day, one-night adventure, where hikers experience varied terrain.  This includes lush forest landscapes and rocky paths and staircases, before transitioning into steep granite slabs near the summit. There is an overnight stay at a lodge at an altitude of 3,273 metres before the final summit push.

On average, hikers spend about 16 hours on the trail, with five to six hours on the first day to reach the lodge and 11 to 12 hours on the second day to summit and descend. Along the trail, clear signboards mark distances every 500 metres, with seven rest huts available. Successful climbers receive a colourful summit certificate. Hikers can also send postcards from Malaysia’s highest post box at the lodge!

Pui Ying’s Story

“Mount Kinabalu has always held deep personal meaning for me. My mother grew up in a town just two hours away from the mountain. When I was young, I would visit my grandmother’s house and listen to stories and see photographs shared by uncles and aunties who had summited it. Listening to their experiences, I promised myself that one day I would achieve it too.

“This year, I returned to Malaysia from the UK, where I had been studying, and finally took the opportunity to climb the mountain. On the first day, I collected my hiking permit, met my mandatory tour guide, and transferred to the starting point at Timpohon Gate. Although I started the hike alone, I met other solo hikers at various rest huts. We eventually formed a small group of three and motivated each other throughout the two-day journey.

“The summit push was, without doubt, the hardest part for me. Despite being only 2.7 kilometres from the lodge, it felt endless due to near-zero temperatures, low oxygen levels, and a lack of sleep from waking up at 1 a.m. I moved slowly, almost like a zombie! But the star-filled skies and unforgettable sunrise above a sea of clouds made the struggle worthwhile.”

Pui Ying’s Top Tips for Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Before the Hike

• Train leg strength extensively, especially by climbing stairs, as nearly 90% of the Mount Kinabalu trail consists of continuous rock staircases.
• Keep your total pack weight to a minimum, as the load will feel significantly heavier on the second day, particularly after the intense summit climb.
• Consider booking a three-day, two-night package that includes a night at base camp before the hike. This will allow your body to better adjust to the high altitude and cold temperatures.

During the Hike

• Wear suitable clothing and layer properly: for Day 1, opt for light hiking attire (I wore a T-shirt and waterproof trousers); for Day 2, add more layers (I wore three layers: a base layer, fleece, and windproof outer layer).
• Maintain a slow and steady pace, and avoid stopping for too long, especially during the summit ascent — losing momentum can cause your body temperature to drop quickly.
• Hydrate and refuel regularly throughout the hike with water and high-energy snacks.
• Listen to your body at all times. If you feel overly exhausted after the Day 1 hike, do not feel pressured to summit on Day 2. Several hikers who pushed beyond their limits experienced severe fatigue upon reaching the summit.

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