Trip Preparation!
Many people underestimate the intensity and difficulty of hiking up Mt Kinabalu. Even if one has a vast amount of experience hiking in the European/ New Zealand alps, Andes, Himalayas or the American Rockies, please note that Mt Kinabalu is going to be a different experience.
It has been reported that, hiking Mt Kinabalu is akin to squeezing 5 days of hiking in any of the great mountain ranges into just 38 hours!
HEALTH REQUIREMENT
All climbers must at least meet Sabah Parks’ health requirement, which is listed here.
In addition, Mountain Torq has its criteria for medical assessment to ensure the safety of the Mount Kinabalu experience.
MOUNTAIN TORQ GUESTS CHECK-IN & VERIFICATION PROCESS
On the day of ascent, all climbers booked for Mountain Torq itineraries must personally present their original identification document during verification at Mountain Torq’s Kinabalu Park Office. We recommend that guests start registration at 8am, so that there will have enough time for the trek up to the Pana Laban rock surface where they have to attend a mandatory briefing at 3-4pm at Pendant Hut.
VIA FERRATA – PENDANT HUT MANDATORY BRIEFING AT 3-4PM (Day One)
This briefing session is compulsory. Our certified trainers are there to give you a full safety briefing and training on how to use the safety devices. They are also there to climb with you to provide tips on how to negotiate the more difficult obstacles as well as highlight some of the spectacular sights along the way. Late arrivals after 3.30pm will not be considered eligible to participate in the Via Ferrata activities the next morning. Pace your ascent well to avoid disappointment.
INSURANCE
Consider taking out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability. You should check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you will be participating in.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Hiking up Mt. Kinabalu requires physical strength and endurance. Mountain Torq recommends engaging in cardiovascular sports (eg. running, cycling, mountain biking, etc) at least twice a week, with each session being a minimum of 2 hours in duration. The exercise program should commence at least 2 months before you start your Mt. Kinabalu adventure.
SAFETY
Our Via Ferrata was constructed by a team of preeminent via ferrata builders from Europe, using CE mark-approved materials.
This carries the certificate of Conformity from the French Agency of Tourist Engineering (AFIT). The Via Ferrata is able to withstand up to a minimum of 3,000 kilogram of weight at any one point.
Our Via Ferrata Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprises safety helmets, harnesses, dynamic ropes and Energy Absorber Lanyards. All of which are certified by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), which meet the EN958 standard.
Additionally, our Via Ferrata trainers are trained based on safety practices endorsed by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation); and are certified in Via Ferrata guiding by UIAGM / IFMGA certified instructors.