For climbers, there are two options in the summit area. The Sayat-Sayat Hut with room for 10 lies along the summit trail at elevation 3668m. The prominent Sayat-Sayat Slab climbing area and Bowen’s Route (access the East Plateau) are a short walk away. Kinabalu South peak, Ugly Sisters, Donkey’s Ears and the Cauldron Gap are also easily accessible from here.

The Gurkh Hut (~3800m) set on the valley floor between Victoria Peak and Alexandra Peak would be a better base for climbs on the West Plateau. On clear days, you can see the hut from Low’s Peak but this is seldom the case. In white-out conditions, follow the summit trail’s fixed ropes till you are just about 200m from the peak. Look out for cairns on the left and traverse west towards the col between Low’s Peak and St John’s Peak. From here, follow cairns, heading northwest for another 500m keeping the prominent overhanging Oyayubi Iwu to your left. The hut lies just north of Oyayubi. This little hut has only room for two (four at most) but is easily the cosiest mountain hut in the region!