Climbing Mount Kinabalu in 2025 | What It’s Really Like Through a Vlog

Climbing Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia was one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life. Part of my things to do before I leave Earth.

In this vlog, I share my full experience of the 2D1N climb — from the Kinabalu Park all the way up to base camp and then the peak!

0:00 Intro
0:21 Pre-Climb
0:57 Timpohon Gate
1:16 Checkpoint 1
3:11 Checkpoint 5km
4:05 Arriving at Panalaban Base Camp
4:37 Food and Rest
5:12 Day 2 Summit Push – Midnight Start
7:11 Peaked -- Mount Kinabalu Summit
8:14 Exit

What I brought along;
Snacks ( Sugary ones )
3 pairs of clothing ( Should've gone lighter :( )
Slippers
Towels
Hiking stick
Cap
40L bag to carry all these
2 small bottle
Windbreaker

Here’s my Mount Kinabalu Climb Gear Checklist based on what I've been through ;)

Essentials
Valid permit + ID
Climbing pass

Clothing
Quick-dry hiking shirt & pants
Fleece jacket / thermal wear
Waterproof jacket / windbreaker
Gloves, beanie & neck warmer (it gets very cold!)
Extra socks & underwear

Footwear
Good trekking shoes / hiking boots (non-slip)
Slippers for use at Panalaban (optional but comfy)

Gear
30–40L backpack
Rain cover for backpack
Headlamp / torchlight (for summit push at 2am)
Trekking poles NOT OPTIONAL, please get 1 or a pair if possible

Food & Hydration
Water bottle or hydration pack
Energy bars, snacks, electrolytes

Misc
Toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, tissues)
Sunscreen & lip balm
Camera / GoPro / power bank
Small first aid kit (painkillers, plasters, altitude meds if needed)

Location: Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Date of climb: 2025

Also don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. These help me to know that I'm doing something right and will be pushing into this direction ;)

📸 Instagram:   / wayfaring_luminox  

Check out my other TRVL Vlogs!
Trip to Seoul :    • KOREA Travel Vlog: SEOUL Adventures & JEJU...  
Trip to Vietnam :    • Vietnam Travel Vlog: 5 Days Exploring Hano...  

#MountKinabalu #Sabah #HikingMalaysia #BorneoAdventure #TravelVlog #SunriseSummit #UNESCOWorldHeritage #mtkinabalu #kinabalu #gunungkinabalu #malaysia #borneo #adventure