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Laban Rata, Kinabalu National Park

Laban Rata

Kinabalu National Park, Borneo

Perched in a wonderful location at 3,200 m up the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Laban Rata is a simple overnight stop. It is from here that you will ascend to the peak of Mount Kinabalu in the early hours of the morning to hopefully watch the sunrise. The views from the lodge windows can be spectacular, especially if the sky is clear and you can watch the sun set over the jungle sprawling below.

As part of the compound, Laban Rata Rest House is the main facility, featuring dormitory (8-12 bunk beds) accommodation and the only restaurant (buffet dinner included, drinks extra cost). If you are staying in the dormitory then hot showers are available using the shared bathroom facilities. There are two private en suite (toilet and heated shower) rooms with twin beds that we will always attempt to book for you because the upgrade cost is minimal but these are incredibly hard to secure and are normally blocked by the park authorities for VIPs.

You are supplied by the lodge with a good quality sleeping bag and pillow but it can get very cold at this height up the mountain and many people do end up sleeping in their clothes!

OUR RATING: Basic

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Audley Travel specialist Sophie

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Tour ideas in Kinabalu National Park

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Laban Rata as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Rafting on the Kiulu River
      Whitewater rafting, Sabah

      Rafting on the Kiulu River

      Rafting on the Kiulu River

      The rafting will take approximately two hours and you will then have lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu. The rafting here is grade 1-2.

      View details

    Kinabalu National Park and nearby places