Via Ferrata @ Mount Kinabalu

Overview

An intense yet scenic 4 – 6 hours hike from the park’s headquarters (1,866m above sea level) gets you to the Laban Rata (3,280m above sea level), which houses a group of mountain lodges, including Mt Torq very own Pendant Hut.

location

viaferrata pendant hut

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata was constructed by a team of preeminent Via Ferrata builders from Europe, using CE Mark-approved materials. This carries the certificate of Conformity from the French Agency of Tourist Engineering (AFIT). The Via Ferrata is able to withstand up to a minimum of 3,000 kilogram of weight at any one point.

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprises safety helmets, harnesses, dynamic ropes and Energy Absorber Lanyards. All of which are certified by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), which meet the EN958 standard.

Additionally, Mountain Torq trainers are trained based on safety practices endorsed by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation); and are certified in Via Ferrata guiding by UIAGM / IFMGA certified instructors.

They have undergone rigorous training with regular skills upgrading based on the UIAA-endorsed syllabus. They are also certified with First Responder Life Support (FRLS) and CPR skills. All Mountain Torq trainers communicate with our base at Pendant Hut, Kinabalu Park Rangers and Sabah Park headquarters via VHF radio at all times when they are on the Via Ferrata.

Safety practices developed and prescribed by UIAA (the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) for mountaineering sports are strictly adhered to. A continuous belay system is employed throughout the Via Ferrata route wherein climbers are always hooked up to a guideline, making any deviation from the route virtually impossible.

Mountain Torq mandatory pre-activity briefing sessions are conducted daily between 3pm and 4pm in Pendant Hut. This briefing session is COMPULSORY and cannot be missed.

Please note that Pendant Hut is located almost 6km from the Timphon Gate start point at Kinabalu Park and is a short walk away from the Laban Rata Resthouse.

During this session, all participants (from a first time Via Ferrata climber to a veteran mountaineer), will be taken through the steps from your hike up to the summit, from wearing the harness to working the carabiners. While all this is happening, take the opportunity to make a few new friends!

After the briefing session and some required paperwork, it will be time for your buffet dinner. Head to bed early, your wake-up call for the summit hike is at 1:30am!

Pendant Hut (3,289, a.s.l), managed by Mountain Torq – is a simply furnished sleeping quarter on Mt Kinabalu, which is specially reserved for Mountain Torq guests. It is also the location of Mountain Torq Sales Office and where Mountain Torq MANDATORY pre-activity briefings are held BETWEEN 3PM and 4PM DAILY

Check in time : 2pm to 4pm
Check out time : before 12:00pm

Exclusively for Mountain Torq’s climbers, this cosy and eco-friendly Alpine-inspired hut houses guests in a dormitory-style setting or a private room for 4. Located 3,289m above sea level (a.s.l.), there is easy access to Mountain Torq’s activities from Pendant Hut. From here you can try to spot your Via Ferrata pals on the Panar Laban rock face!

“Pendant Hut is slightly more basic (no heat – although climbers sleep in uber-warm sleeping bags). However, there’s a bit of a summer camp vibe here” (Lonely Planet, 2010). Here you can enjoy your post midnight supper and American breakfasts, relax at the comfortable lounge area, pick up a climbing book at our mini alpine library or have fun playing board games. For dinner and other meal options, Laban Rata’s canteen is but a short walk away.