As swift-monkey asked me about some questions of trekking in mountain kinabalu. I think instead of replying him alone, better write something for public, in case anyone else might be interested in the future.
Transportation: For those who are more adventurous, you can plan your own journey. It's quite safe IMO. After getting to KK, you can take/share a Mini bus or taxi (normally RM15 if sharing) to the reception office at the foot of Mt Kinabalu (1.8km altitude). I am not sure if there are direct transportation from airport. In KK there are quite many minibuses around. It take 2 hours on the way. Make sure arriving before 9pm (or 8pm safer). During busy seasons, better book your bed earlier.
Cost: Not sure about the package price, you may want to check it from your local agent. For self backpackers, one night in youth hotel costs RM12. RM100 for permit. RM60 for renting a guide (but can share, the more the cheaper). RM25~30 for two way transportation between office and the entrance (also can share). RM10 for certificate.
Routing: I only have experience on 2-day routing. First day, start from 8~9am, reach Laban rata (about 3.2km altitude) at 3~5pm. Stay overnight and depart at 2am. Reach the top (4km altitude) before 6am to witness the sunrise. Later go down all the way. Check out at Laban rata before 11am and reach the foot of mountain around 4~5pm or earlier.
For those of you arriving KK late, better stay in the city for one night and go around in the next morining, then depart to Mt. Kinabalu in the afternoon.
Some of my sabah photos can be access at: http://www.tomshenstudio.com/gallery/travel_kk_001_050.htm
Transportation: For those who are more adventurous, you can plan your own journey. It's quite safe IMO. After getting to KK, you can take/share a Mini bus or taxi (normally RM15 if sharing) to the reception office at the foot of Mt Kinabalu (1.8km altitude). I am not sure if there are direct transportation from airport. In KK there are quite many minibuses around. It take 2 hours on the way. Make sure arriving before 9pm (or 8pm safer). During busy seasons, better book your bed earlier.
Cost: Not sure about the package price, you may want to check it from your local agent. For self backpackers, one night in youth hotel costs RM12. RM100 for permit. RM60 for renting a guide (but can share, the more the cheaper). RM25~30 for two way transportation between office and the entrance (also can share). RM10 for certificate.
Routing: I only have experience on 2-day routing. First day, start from 8~9am, reach Laban rata (about 3.2km altitude) at 3~5pm. Stay overnight and depart at 2am. Reach the top (4km altitude) before 6am to witness the sunrise. Later go down all the way. Check out at Laban rata before 11am and reach the foot of mountain around 4~5pm or earlier.
For those of you arriving KK late, better stay in the city for one night and go around in the next morining, then depart to Mt. Kinabalu in the afternoon.
Some of my sabah photos can be access at: http://www.tomshenstudio.com/gallery/travel_kk_001_050.htm