MB0204 Adventure of Via Ferrata “Walk the Torq” (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Mountain Climbing Tours) Malaysia Borneo Tour Packages (2 Days / 1 Night)

Highlights

Adventure of Via Ferrata “Walk the Torq” (Sabah Mountain Climbing Tours) Malaysia Borneo Tour Package

Mountain Torq is the worlds highest and Asia’s first via ferrata that starts at 3,200m and ends off at 3,800m above sea level on Mt Kinabalu in Sabah. Mountain Torq enables climbers and non-climbers to experience the thrill of mountain climbing while taking in the spectacular surroundings. A via ferrata (or ‘iron road’ in Italian) is a protected mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to rock climbers and mountaineers. The exhilaration, breathtaking scenery and sense of personal conquest you experience on a via ferrata are guaranteed to give you something to smile about for a long time. Via ferrata is not the same as rock climbing although they both occur in the same area and the same environment. Via ferrata climbing is easier than rock climbing and do not require you to have any previous experience.

This package includes

• 1 Night Stay (Hut-based dormitory with bunk beds – Heated/Non Heated)
• Full Board Meals (1 Breakfast/2 Lunch/1 Dinner)
• Climbing Insurance
• Mountain Guide (Sabah Park)
• Climbing Harnesses and ropes (for via ferrata activity only)
• Guiding Services of Activities Trainers
• Free Rental of all safety devices: Harness, Lanyard, Helmet
• Via Ferrata familiarization for all participants
• Tour & Transfer as per itinerary

This package excludes

• Personal Expenses/Miscellaneous
• Tips to Driver
• Tips to Mountain Guide/Via Ferrata Guide
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Camera / Video Fees (whenever applicable)
• Porter Fees (whenever applicable)
• Park Entrance Fee (RM 3.00 for Malaysian and RM 15.00 for non-Malaysian)
• Climbing Permit (RM 30.00 for Malaysian and RM 100.00 for non-Malaysian)

Notes

• 4 – 5 months advance booking may be required for mountain hut room reservation. (There is limited accommodation at the Pendant Hut rest house/hut near the summit, where climbers are required to stay overnight before an early morning ascent to the peak on the next day.)
• The above price is applicable for Malaysians only. For non-Malaysians, please add RM 150 to the listed price.
• English-speaking guide can be provided with a surcharge for mountain climbing.
• Climbers will have a choice of going via Mesilau or the Timpohon Gate
• Activities are subject to weather condition, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situation
• Suitable for Climbers and Non-climbers aged between 10 and 60. They must be fit, healthy and should not be afraid of heights. Minimum Height Requirement is 1.3 meters
• The ratio of activities trainer to via ferrata climbers (1:10 for Walk the Torq) (1:6 for Low’s Peak Circuit)
• It is recommended for Trekkers to purchase additional Personal Travel Insurance prior to the Climb.
• Please bring along Good trekking shoes, Warm clothing and wind breaker, Gloves, Insect repellent, Sun block, Items of personal use, Energy bars/Sweets, Water bottle, Torch light, Camera (Optional)
• It is recommended that all trekkers should have themselves medically checked before attempting high altitude trek. If you have history of suffering from the following ailments, it is recommended that you should refrain from trekking to the high altitude. (Hypertension, Heart Disease, Severe Anaemia, Epileptic Fits, Obesity, Muscular Cramps or any diseases which may hamper the trekker)

It is Safe?

Yes, it is very safe. 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 can 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 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.

Mountain Climbing Checklist

• Warm clothing like fleece jacket, hiking pants
• A small / lightweight towel
• Personal toiletries
• Gloves
• A water bottle
• Torchlight (preferably a head torch)
• Comfortable running/ hiking shoes
• Raincoat or Rain Jacket
• Energy snacks e.g. chocolate, nuts, biscuits, sweets
• Sunglass, sun lotion, SPF lip balm (beware of the strong UV rays)
• A small backpack to hold your things
• A rain cover for your backpack

Itinerary

Day 01 (-/L/D)

• • Pick up from Kota Kinabalu City at 0700hrs and take a leisure 2-hour drive to Kinabalu Park. On a clear day the Crocker Range
    – backbone of Sabah – which culminates in Mt Kinabalu, can be seen on the way. Try to sample some of the exotic fruits found
    along the roadside stalls. Take in fresh mountain air as you approach Kinabalu Park at 1,500M ASL.
    Upon arrival at the park, proceed to check in. An indemnity form must be signed for participations of any of Mt Torq’s activities.
    Start trekking from to Timpohon Gate, Upon arrival at Laban Rata, spend 20-30 minutes for an introduction and VIA FERRATA
    familiarization.

Day 02 (B/L/-)

• Start the second stage of climb at around 3:00 a.m. to reach the summit (Low’s Peak, 4,095M) by dawn. Enjoy a breathtaking
  view from the peak. Climb down towards Panar Laban Slab to do the VIA FERRATA (Walk the Torq). Descend to Laban Rate Rest
  house for breakfast before continuing. Lunch at the Park Headquarters.
  Return to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon after collecting Certificate of Achievement.