Via Ferrata Mount Kinabalu

Mountain Torq’s via ferrata, located at Mount Kinabalu’s Panar Laban rock face, is the first in not just Malaysia but also Asia. It begins at 3,411 metres and ends at 3,776 metres, making it the world’s highest, certified by Guinness World Records. It’s a four to six hours hike from Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Opened in December 2007, it is an alternative route to the top of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres above sea level.

The via ferrata, or ‘iron road’ in Italian, is a mountain path that consists of a series of steel rungs, rails and cables embedded into the rock face, opening up routes to the average hiker that were previously only accessible to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers with specialised equipment. Mountain Torq’s via ferrata is approximately 1.2 kilometres long and traverses routes of varying difficulties, thus catering to all levels of experience, from beginners to intermediate hikers and climbers.

Families, school children and climbers of general fitness levels are particularly fond of the ‘Walk The Torq’. Measuring 430 metres long, participants can witness the beautiful scenery of Borneo and capture breathtaking shots during the two to three hours walk. It’s definitely a good start for beginners.

Adventure loving mountaineering enthusiasts who crave for an exhilarating, adrenalin-charged experience should opt for the hike up to Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu’s highest point at 4,095 metres. This is a four to five hours programme, with a length of 763 metres, designed for those with above average fitness levels.

Upon descent from Low’s Peak, climbers will take the via ferrata detour known as ‘Low’s Peak Circuit’ to witness stunning views and explore hidden corners of the mountain plateau. Other highlights include walking on a 22 metres footbridge suspended at about 3,600 metres above sea level.

This mountaineering activity has played a major role in raising awareness on Mount Kinabalu among mountain climbers around the world, and helped promote Sabah as a world-class destination for sports and adventure tourism.

For further details, please visit Mountain Torq website at www.mountaintorq.com.