Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
Mount Kinabalu Climb
Trek to see one of the finest sunrises in Southeast Asia
Summit the mighty Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest at at 4095m high, on this two-day trek for one of the best views in Borneo.
On the first day, transfer to Kinabalu Park to check in for the night, and enjoy a buffet dinner at Liwagu Restaurant.
Early on day two, proceed to the National Park’s headquarters to meet your mountain guide and be briefed. From here, commence the 4-5 hour trek through a range of vegetation zones such as oak and chestnut forests to alpine forests up to Laban Rata Resthouse at 3,272 metres. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure and drinking plenty of water. Dinner starts at 4.30pm and you’ll want to get an early night.
Wake at 2am to begin the final ascent to the summit to witness the incredible view of the sun rising over the horizon. Leave everything that you don’t need at Laban Rata and don’t forget your head-lamp.
After sunrise, return to the guesthouse for breakfast and then descend to Timpohon Gate where you will take a vehicle back to Park HQ for lunch and on to Kota Kinabalu.
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Places to combine Mount Kinabalu Climb with
Phuket
Tucked away on the fringes of Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s most ancient and biodiverse rainforests, Thanyamundra Organic Resort offers an intimate sanctuary with nine guestrooms. The setting is mesmerising: a patchwork of cultivated organic farmland gently gives way to dense jungle, while mist drifts across rolling emerald hills in the early morning.
Two teakwood residences, built in traditional Thai style, house the guest rooms. Within, antique furnishings add a sense of heritage and handwoven textiles bring warmth and colour.
Begin with yoga at dawn or a leisurely walk among rice paddies and vegetable gardens, before setting out to discover the wonders of the rainforest. Back at the resort, the infinity pool seemingly spills into the surrounding hills. From here, the horizon becomes a living panorama of forest, farmland and sky, shifting in colour as the day passes from morning to the glow of sunset. The spa provides another form of retreat, where traditional Thai treatments restore balance after a day outdoors.
Food is at the heart of the Thanyamundra experience. The resort’s organic farm supplies the kitchen with fragrant herbs, just-picked vegetables, tropical fruit and locally produced cheese. Meals, whether enjoyed in the open-sided pavilion or al fresco under the stars, are thoughtfully prepared to highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients.
