Relatively cheap if you asked me. Mine add another 0

As the higher you go, the chances of you encountering wind are higher. Supposingly this should be under the Kinabalu thread but since it is here, let me explain in brief to you.

Day 1 (hike to Laban Rata)
Basic trekking attire -
* dry fit shirt
* short/long pants (doesn't matter but things gets a lil chilly when you hit 5.5/6km mark),
* rain coat (preferable dispoable type, can get in Watson/ 7-11 for RM5 or 8 Laban Rata do sell but at around RM10) * good trekking shoes with socks (kampung adidas is a good option without those studs)
* food and drink
* a cap (just to ensure if weather just too hot)

Day 2 (summit attempt)
* second shirt for hiking
* long pants (you can reuse back the same pants you used on the first day if you do not mind)
* second disposable rain coat (just in case you used the first, in this case if it rain on day 2, chances u to scale Kinabalu gets lower as Sayat gate will close for sure)
* head lamp (crucial!)
* beanie (mainly to cover your ears since it is cold in the peak)
* gloves (as per explain earlier - personally I prefer those water resistant type)
* water proof jackets/ windbreaker (nasty wind will slap your face if you are unlucky)
* socks (if the first day rain and you need to change another)
* food and drink

Other items which you might consider
* trekking pole (you will hardly use on summit attempt but when return back to Timpohon gate, it could be useful)
* camera (for very obvious reason)
* sunblock (for princess only, sorry no offence)
* deep heat (thou some might hate the smell, it is a fast option to make your muscle warm up)
* AMS tablets (read more details about AMS and please take note that some died in Kinabalu due to this)
* ORS tablets (for rehydration purposes if you sweat a lot)
* slippers
* clean clothing for your normal wear

I might miss out a few points as I am writing this while I am thinking here in front of the PC. Thanks for reading.

Wow! Thanks a lot for the guide Just a little more.. (girls have a lot to ask ) Jackets must be waterproof? wouldn't it be redundant with the raincoat? And is hiking shoes necessary or sport shoes also can? I have one pair of adidas kampung but the rubber back side of the shoes cut my heels the last time i went to Broga so I wont b wearing them..

what kind of socks cost u rm500?

I managed to get a pair of Smartwool socks (very comfy!) for half the normal price in Melaka, not sure if it was because of CNY sales or wrong pricing, I've been looking everywhere for the same bargain ever since

i wore soccer socks to bujang Melaka yesterday. seems quite good, avoided some bruises from branches..

Bujang Melaka is quite a tough hike.. especially when it's a timed event.. uphill took me 3hours.. time to loose some weight

downhill 1:45

No worries. Feel free to ask.

The reason to get a waterproof jacket is to avoid getting cold. It is like you are staying in Laban Rata and you have the option to shower or not with cold water. ROFL.

Waterproof jacket could be expensive. I got mine for around RM1.2-1.8k. Some could not afford it and get a normal cotton or synthetic jackets which could absorb rain water. Poncho is a option to help you reduce your cost instead of invest heavily like mine. I used it for a lot of hikes therefore it is worth every penny. If you to do Kinabalu, you will think twice.

Sport shoes not recommended. Not those from Nike, Adidas, Lacoste, etc. You need a proper hiking shoes, not even running . Again, hiking shoes will be around 150-300 bucks and kampung adidas is erm RM10 the most. Your choice again. Kampung adidas can just dump away after that if you no longer need them but hiking shoes, you need to wash them and dry them. The major differences between both shoes are hiking shoes protect your ankle better than kampung adidas. If you got confident that you would not injured your ankle, kampung adidas is always a better option. Did you wear socks when you went Broga with those shoes?

One thing I always encourage people to do - engage a guide to carry your items. Come on it is just RM 10-12 per kg for once of a lifetime hike. Just share with your friends, everything fit into a bag and pass to the guide to carry. Easy peasy.

I never felt Bujang Melaka was a difficult hike. It is pretty confusing during the start if you are not familiar with the starting point.

I just came back from Gunung Tapis and you should try that. I confirmed you will curse the whole hike. Roughly the same height as Gunung Nuang but hell crazy of the terrain to mess with.

He was referring to pants and socks. Compression socks around RM30 max but my pants is way more than that. As mentioned in all the old post, I invested alot in all my gear. I know what I need, and what I do not need.

mind to let us know what jacket you have? just wear another layer of windbreaker should be enough. if it rains, wear your poncho. pls prepare a backup for poncho.

sport shoes is definitely a no. u can wear it for the trail to laban rata but not your summit hike. even kampung adidas is better than sport shoes due to the rocky surface. when it goes to hiking, safety first. better to get a proper hiking shoes. outdoor adventure shop in the gardens has sales quite frequently. maybe you can take a look there. if u buy a new shoes, season it in your training a few times before going for actual hike.

any pro knows whether trail running shoes work for the terrain also? could it be cheaper?

This post has been edited by hoiho: Apr 7 2014, 02:29 PM

ur base layer is fleece type ?

u mean Columbia brand sell long tracks RM50 meh ? where ?

If you choose waterprof jacket. Make sure the ventilation is good.
Hiking shoes (Please wear shoes with profile) . Sport shoes doesnt have profile, thus, lot of energy will consume during hike.

Try alter the adidas kampung. Put some leather cushion at the heel. Sell at Pharmacy.

support to the native people through porter hiring too, if they treat you well and you can afford, pay them tips too..

Shoe is personal thingy, I never have a hiking boots (high cut), I wear lower cut trail shoe because I prefer footwear which is more agile..


It would be an easy hike if it's a leisure thing, if you rush it, it can turn ugly haha..

Makes me feel like attempting Tapis.. Day or camping required?

I have tons of socks, from Five Finger Socks (cost RM60 per pair), Nike Soccer Compression socks, RM60 - 100 (can't remember) normal trail socks, running sock etc.. I still no idea expensive socks how much it differs, usually there's few socks I hate (Cotton mostly), most of the complain I had is because the socks don't last long enough

@aidono your waterproof jacket is gore-tex? mind to share when you wear it? lol. it would be too hot for our rainforest hike right? unless u camp at the peak

A good waterproof jacket (if you use the word jacket usually it's mean for colder climates) with fleece layered..
usually it's more convenient to buy soft shell jacket, I am not aware of Malaysia pricing but in UK it would cost around 80~150 pounds.. it's not durable but it's light

goretex is just one of the very famous fabric that is water proof but breathable(debatable).. Other thing to take note is
1) do you need hood
2) ease of wearing (some with and without zip, both with pro and cons)
3) fitting
4) durability
5) waterproof properties will fade over time
6) how small it folds up into
7) Price $$
8) Brand you support

As said, your style is to rush but for me I prefer leisure. I do not find any points to push my body to that extend.

Tapis you can try doing day trip, but I am sure you wouldn't be ready to face such uphill task. Their never ending route will be the first to kill you.

You are right about the brand but Goretex have few types.

I wore it most of the time since it is a water repellent wind breaker. In Malaysia I wore em depending what are the mountain height I am scaling. Need to be at least 1,700 m range.

i've always wondered, those 1k above jackets compared to the few hundred ringgit ones, what is the pros & cons that results in such a dramatic price difference? Say compare those by outdoor companies to the ones by Timberland which are much cheaper.


I'll be heading to New Zealand in a few months and I still haven't got a windbreaker yet.

Material wise are meant to be comfortable and it is ultra light. Some are meant to adapt to 4 seasons instead of 3.

I haven't seen a jacket that can be worn during summer wor haha..
you mean with removable fleece?

Material wise there's only a few type of waterproof breathable fabric.. I have done the research last time but can't remember..

If it's fleeced no matter how small it won't be smaller than a soft shell.. a soft shell would be already so light that if you insist on being lighter, you will be paying exponentially higher and sacrificing some sort of durability