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Experience the thrills and spills of mountaineering under a safe and controlled environment. With a proper system of routes, devices and an experienced trainer to guide you, Via Ferrata climbing allows anyone to experience the exciting challenge of this sport under the safest of conditions.

WHOA is proud to be associated with Mountain Torq's(MT) unique adventure in Kota Kinabalu's UNESCO world heritage site, Mount Kinabalu. Professionally established and managed by an mountaineers team from Malaysia and Singapore, they have established new records in Malaysia:

- At 3,800m, Mountain Torq has the world’s highest via ferrata verified by Guiness Book of Records
- Establishing South East Asia’s first mountaineering training center in 2008
-Whether you have been to Mount Kinabalu or not, MT now has another reason why you should be heading up there. You don't need to be an experienced mountain climber to go up the Via Ferrata. We just need you to have an adventurous spirit and have little fear of heights. The paths up to Laban Rata base camp are now a little wider and the rest areas along the trek have been spruced up with bricks and new roofs.

They even offer alpine rock/ sports climbing by Panar Laban for beginners to intermediate and customised climbing trips to the other Mount Kinabalu peaks.

The air upthere...

I was the third person to have climbed via ferrata when they first opened in 4th quarter of 2007. I can definitely pledge to its WOW factor. Battling the early morning chill, initial fear of the heights and mild altitude discomfort, the activities offered are not for the weak-hearted. If you are afraid heights then this adventure may not be for you as you will be walking on vertical surfaces as well as crossing valleys on cable lines. All this done possibly in wretched weather conditions. Although you will be led by an experienced guide, each participant will have the responsibility to look after each other as you are all linked together by a rope.

Check out the map of VIA FERRATA ROUTES!

The programs listed are for  independent travellers. This means there is no tour guide. You will find your own way to the base of Mount Kinabalu and register the climb on your own at the Sabah Parks office located in Kinabalu Park or Mesilau Park. Private transfers can be arranged at additional cost. All inclusive packages can be arranged but expect to pay more for convenience.

Many are confused between a Via Ferrata Guide and Mountain Guide. VF Guides works for Mountain Torq. They will only lead you on the via ferrata trails and you will meet them at Pendant Hut (at Laban Rata area)  for briefing and when you have finished the dawn summit. The Mountain Guide is under Sabah Parks administration and he is required by law to follow all visitors from the base of the mountain, up to the summit and back down the base.

What do I get to do?

Experience the highest peak in South East Asia at the break of dawn and then top it up by walking/climbing the highest Via Ferrata in the world.

Is it Safe?

Frequently Asked Questions (download)
Besides a helmet and training before the activity, you have double safety on the climb. A climber wears a harness clipped to a steel cable along the route and a second line is clipped to the next climber or the guide.
The steel cables that line the route can hold up to 3,000kg of weight. The ladder rungs and footholds are rated to withstand up to 300kg of weight. The routes have been set up by the best via ferrata builders from Europe and its no wonder that MT has been been awarded a certificate of compliance based on European safety standards for Via Ferrata.
The routes will go through a full maintenance check. every 3 years.
The company only takes on a maximum of 30 guests per day. The ratio is one trainer to ten(10) guests (Walk the Torq), and one to six(6) for Low’s Peak Circuit.

REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be less than 100kg and at least 1.3m tall.

Adventure Rating and Remarks/ Requirements

After reaching successfully for sunrise at Low's Peak, there is now the added thrill of  Walk the Torq or Low's Peak Circuit. A must do actvity if you do not have a phobia of heights. Minimum medium fitness level.  VIA FERRATA ROUTES

Do check with your personal health advisor if you are qualified for this adventure.

Via Ferrata Accommodation (Pendant Hut)

Mountain Torq offers you their own accommodation, Pendant Hut, when you book their activities. This makes your adventure easier to arrange as the other accommodations here are always full and reserved for the standard summit climbers. Pendant Hut is a cozy, eco-friendly hut with 4 dormitory style rooms (30 beds), a VIP room (double bed for 2 pax) and a private room (max 4 pax) catering exclusively to our guests. Guests are not allowed to cook. VIP and Private rooms have additional charges (see below). Pendant Hut is not heated.

From the hut, you will have easy access to Mountain Torq’s activities and even watch via ferrata climbers on the Panar Laban rock face! It is also where pre-activity briefings are held. Beds at Pendant Hut are prioritized for via ferrata participants
Facilities:
-Early morning – Continental Breakfast or equivalent
-Late morning – American Breakfast or equivalent
-Sleeping bags with sleeping bag liners
-Common toilets and bathrooms with electric warm water shower (the water temp from the source is around 10°C, so we can’t promise a piping hot shower, but with the right adjustment on the water pressure, you can get a fairly warm shower)
-Cozy lounge area with a mini mountaineering library
-Short walk to Laban Rata restaurant (for snack, dinner & other meals or just to mingle)

They have also taken over management of final check point (3668m) Sayat Sayat and converted it to an accommodation hut (picture) for their alpine climbing activities. It is a traditional mountain hut with basic facilities and a self-service kitchen. It has 10 dormitory-style bunk beds and non heated.

If you intend to stay a night at either Kinabalu Nature Park(Timpohon Trail) to Mesilau Nature Park(Mesilau Trail) before the climb(to laban rate),  below are the optional rates

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Accommodation Rates 2010 (Kinabalu Park & Mesilau Park)

If you prefer to stay a night before the climb at mountain-base, these are the accommodations available.

Kinabalu Nature Park (TImpohon Trail)
Check-in before 10pm, Climb registration 7.30am-5pm
*breakfast inclusive
Dormitory, Starts from RM150 per pax
(below per room/lodge unit)
Twin Share, Starts from RM390
Private Lodge 4pax, Starts from RM650

Mesilau Nature Park (Park located approximately 30minutes from KNP) (Mesilau Trail)
Check-in before 10pm, Climb registration close 7.30am-5pm
*breakfast inclusive
Dormitory, Starts from RM150 per pax
(below per room/lodge unit)
Twin Share, Starts from RM390
Private Lodge for 6pax, Starts from 6pax RM880
Private Lodge for 6pax with kitchen, satellite TV & living room, Starts from RM1300

*rates subject to change without notice

ITINERARY & RATE 2010 for Mountain Torq Via Ferrata (Rates per pax, valid for activity dates before 31 March 2011)

Update March 2010: Water shortage at Laban Rata due to drought. Water insufficient for showers.There is limited electricity as well.

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner   

Package excludes
- Standard summit climbing registration at Sabah Parks.
- You choose your own trail up to Laban Rata (Mesilau or Timpohon)
- Your transport from Kota Kinabalu will have to coincide with the trail you choose since both trails are located at different parks. Timpohon trail starts 4km from Kinabalu Park office. The 1.5km longer Mesilau trail starts just behind Mesilau Park office. Mesilau Park is 15km from Kinabalu Park.

 *Room upgrade only applicable if the via ferrata package has been booked

**Private transfers available. Please email us.
Why pre arrange a return private transfer?
- You have a vehicle waiting for you when you wake up in the wee hours. Why wait for others?
- You don't need to wake up extra early to walk over to find a public bus which might be unreliable. Why be delayed by others?
- For Timpohon trail. The private transfer takes you all the way to Timpohon Gate after you register at Kinabalu Park office. Timpohon Gate is 4km from Kinabalu park office. There is a chargeable bus service onsite but why wait for others?
- After you descend at Timpohon gate, the private transfer is waiting for you. Do you want to walk all the way out to the park office? You are exhausted. Why wait for the unreliable park bus to arrive then wait for it fill up before moving? They also charge you. We've been through the routine.
- At Mesilau Park or Kinabalu Park office, a private transfer just takes you away immediately back to Kota Kinabalu or your next destination. Why wait for others or wait by the roadside for taxi or bus without schedules? You are tired and exhausted. Rain will dampen your spirit further and it gets dark fast.
Basically, a private transfer solves all this unnecessary delay as it’s ready to pick up your group only. You can evaluate convenience vs price. Separately, Mesilau is further away from Kinabalu Park, a little more remote and a little more difficult to hail a taxi or bus.

General Itinerary: 2 day 1 night Via Ferrata program(A detailed itinerary provided upon booking confirmation)

Day	Low's Peak Circuit (LPC)	Walk the Torq (WTT)
Day 1, 8am	5-7 hr hike up to Laban Rata with Sabah Park’s Mountain Guides via Timpohon Trail or Mesilau Trail (1.5km longer). Check in at Pendant Hut.
Day 1, 3pm	Via Ferrata familiarization/ Introduction / Briefing
Day 2 2 - 3 am 6 am / 6.30am MT is very strick on cut off times.	Hike up to Low's Peak with your Sabah Park Mountain Guide
	Meet MT Trainers at Sayat Sayat, start Low's Peak circuit / Walk the Torq
	Complete via ferrata, return to Pendant Hut then meet your Sabah Park Mountain Guides to descend to Park HQ

Individual Via Ferrata Activity Rate available on request but best to take package

Walk the Torq (SB/KKMKWT) Duration 2 hours
Take your first steps on the world's highest via ferrata and learn how to walk the Torq.
WTT is an initiation for those who want to build their confidence in via ferrata climbing.
Grading - Easy - Everyone between 10 to 70 years old

The Low’s Peak Circuit (SB/KKMKWLPC) Duration 4 - 5 hours
Hike up to Low's Peak, Mt Kinabalu's highest point at 4,095m. On descent, take a via ferrata detour to see stunning views and explore hidden corners of the mountain plateau.
LPC is physically demanding. It is for those who are sure-footed, not fearful of heights, want to scale South East Asia's highest point and the World's highest via ferrata.
Grading Intermediate - Everyone between 10 to 70 years old

What to wear/bring?

Bring suitable warm clothing, waterproof gear (jacket,hat & shoes)*, good traction shoes/boots*, tough insulated gloves (waterproof is best)*, water bottle/drinks, water purification tablets (personal choice), walking pole/stick, headlamp/torchlight*, personal medication, snacks, medical kit and a day pack to carry it all. (*) important items

You will need a day pack during Via Ferrata activity. You will be exhausted so bring your own drinks & snacks to give yourself an energy boost.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kinabalu is during the drier seasons between February to April. The rainy season is usually from November to January and from May to July although global warming is blurring all of this. If bad weather persists while at base camp, you may not be allowed up to the summit. Your mountain guide will advise you.

Getting here

KK International Airport can be reached direct from a number of International cities. Alternatively, there are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which can be booked via Malaysia Airlines (www.mas.com.my) or AirAsia (www.airasia.com), the region's low cost carrier.

You can catch the public buses/van and taxis from the interstate bus terminal. We are unable to advise you on rates.

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges offer limited scheduled transfers from Magellan and Sutera Harbour Hotel to Kinabalu and Mesilau Park. However, you need to find your way to the hotels from the airport (minimum 20mins drive). This service is better suited for guests of the hotels. We are unable to advise on schedule.

Mount Kinabalu Climbing Registration Items and Rates 2009 listed at Kinabalu Nature Park Headquarters (Update September 2008) All Rate Ringgit Malaysia (RM)

**The yellow highlights are the main items during the climbing registration at Sabah Park Office

NEW RATES FOR PORTERS (EFFECTIVE :  1ST SEPTEMBER 2008) Notice:  Maximum weight is 10kg & additional weight will be charged base on daily rate Per Kg. (Reffering to item 1-9 & 14-18)
Timpohon Gate → Laban Rata → Timpohon Gate Timpohon Gate → Sayat-Sayat → Timpohon Gate Timpohon Gate → Summit → Timpohon Gate	Per Day / 10 kg   40.00   47.00   51.00
Mesilau → Laban Rata → Timpohon Gate Mesilau → Sayat-Sayat → Timpohon Gate Mesilau → Summit→ TimpohonGate	Per Day / 10 kg 45.00 50.00 57.00
Mesilau → Laban Rata → Mesilau Mesilau → Sayat-Sayat → Mesilau Mesilau → Summit → Mesilau	Per Day / 10 kg 51.00 57.00 62.00
Timpohon Gate →Eastern Ridge Timpohon Gate → Lone Tree Timpohon Gate → Easy Valley Timpohon Gate → Gurkha Hut	Per Day / 1 kg 22.00 17.00 16.00 13.00
Kotal’s Route	Per Day / 1 kg 72.00
Sub Station → Nambuyukong → Sub Station	Per Day / 1 kg 37.00
Sub Station → Air Terjun Misumpak  → Gua Kelawar → Sub Station	Per Day / 1 kg 37.00
Sub Station → Batu Penyangat → Sub Station	Per Day / 1 kg 37.00
Sub Station Monggis → Tambuyukon → Sub Station Monggis	Per Day / 10 kg 43.00
Trails Between Timpohon Gate & Mesilau Gate - 18 years & above (Per Person) - Below 18 years (Per Person)	5.00 2.00