Mount Kinabalu is the highest Mountain in Malaysia and as high as it is, taking the hike up the mountain is no walk in the park. Before you start the climbing Mount Kinabalu you may or may not need to have some exercise beforehand, this all depends on your body of course. Also, it can be quite expensive to hike up the mountain, which is why you need to make sure that you plan your hike before you attempt it. And for those who are on a low budget, we have a few ways that you can enjoy climbing Mount Kinabalu on a budget. Besides where there is a will, there will always be a way, be it you are playing online casino games or you are hiking.
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Planning Your Hike
Hiking Mount Kinabalu can be done in one or two days this will depend on your body as well as the speed that you are taking. Since you are on a budget, we assume that you will not hike with a personal tour guide as they can be expensive charging over $400 and more that is why we advise having a shared tour guide with more hikers to reduce the costs.
In addition, by planning your hike, you will need to make sure that you have the basic equipment and choose a trail that you can follow without any hassles. If the aspect of hiking up mount Kinabalu alone seems to scare you a bit, you can easily look for other hikers and share the costs of the hike.
Choose your Route 
When planning your hike, you need to factor in the time that you want to start your hike as well. There are mainly two routes that can be used when hiking up the mountain to the tallest peak called Low’s Peak after the first hiker Huge Low. The first route done by the trekker is Timpohon Gate which is 6 km to Laban Rata and Mersilau which is 8 km to Laban Rata.
The Mersilau Route is the more challenging and longer route, you can take this route with minim hiking gear. This route is mainly ascending, therefore you need to make sure that you have prepared yourself mentally for the hike. Using this route and taking 10-minute breaks starting at 9 am you can reach Laban Rata at 3 pm.
You Can also opt for the High gate Route
This route is less strenuous than the Mersilau Route but still challenging enough to keep you on track. From here, you can catch the bus from Laban Rata to Kota Kinabalu costing RM 25/per person. Once you reach Kota Kinabalu, you can either take public transport or hire a taxi to get back to your accommodation.
There are many types of trails available along the trail, however, these trails do require good physical fitness levels and stamina. Therefore, if you think that you cannot hike up the mountain due to your health condition, then consider hiring a guide instead. Most guides charge around RM 400 a day excluding food and drinks. However, you can save money by using a local guide.
Booking Accommodation In Advance
If you are planning to hike up the mountain then you should book ahead for your accommodations as most hotels near the area offer discounts during the off-season. You can find cheap accommodation options
Hike Up The Mountain With A Group Of People
If you decide to go hiking the mountain, you can always join a group of people so that you can split the cost and you can all enjoy the journey together.
Check Out Local Bloggers For More Info
For those who love sharing experiences, you can ask local bloggers for advice about hiking to the top of the mountain. You can read their blogs and check out their videos to see how they did it. Their blogs will provide you with tips, information and even reviews on what equipment and clothing to bring.
Make Sure That You Have The Right Gear And Clothing
For starters, you should ensure that you prepare yourself before heading off into the wilderness. This means that you should carry an adequate amount of water, snacks and medicines.
Conclusion.
Hiking up the mountain is very rewarding when you complete your climb. It offers amazing views and breathtaking scenery which no camera could capture. However, make sure that you do everything properly and safely. Always remember that safety comes first!We hope you have enjoyed tips on climbing Mount Kinabalu on a budget and we encourage you to check out casinos in Mount Kinabalu next time you travel .