0630 hrs: Pick up from your city hotel and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive through mountainous countryside to Kinabalu Park. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, register for the climb and meet your Mountain Guide. Collect your packed lunch and transfer to Timpohon Gate, located at 1,866 metres above sea level—the starting point of your ascent.

Begin your trek up Mount Kinabalu. The climb typically takes 4 to 6 hours, and packed lunch may be enjoyed along the way. There are six shelters en route where you can rest and refill your water bottle.

Upon reaching Panalaban (approximately 11,000 feet), check into the mountain hut dormitory. Enjoy dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant and spend the night at the hut. Free at leisure for the rest of the evening.