Sutera Sanctuary Lodges @ Laban Rata — Hotel in Borneo

This review is gonna be a bit of a cliché cause everyone's giving +ve rating but i guess everything is green when you're being compensated for the great view. While i understand this isn't supposed to be a luxury vacation tour, then again you're paying for it and not staying for free. There's no water there currently so don't expect to shower. There's no water heater and it would cost RM3 & RM6 to buy hot water for drinking. The buffet dinner consists of fried noodles, rice, chicken, egg, beef, and one type of vege. The buffet supper also served the same noodle, bread, and egg. Of course, there are limitations to what can be provided at such altitude, but the guests are paying to have basic necessities like water to shower and drinking water provided. Cant say much about the power generation supply since they're running on diesel, which can be a challenge to bring up. And the power socket in the room works from 4.30pm -10pm. That's also only a couple of the outlets are functioning. RM1360/pax for dorm room with 2 extremely stiff pillows for each bunk bed (3 bunk beds shared bathroom with the rest of your floormates). On the day of the climb, the place actually overbooked itself by 19pax so go figure. On one side, it's nice to be in the nature but one another side you're paying so much yet with so little effort to make the price worth it. Been here 8 years ago and now back here again but no significant improvement, just quality dropping with each price increase. I've yet to mention about the additional charges entering the park itself (not the mountain climb) is rm10 per pax. For the potter as well there's extra charges if you have gone beyond the cutoff time at 4pm. Some of the guides are actually quite rude while they're rushing to go to the peak and it was so crowded so i got shoved to the side. I find it funny that everyone's rushing to see the sunset view but few actually made it to the top in time even if I was shoved to the side. On another note, i understood what they were saying but due to my looks i was mistaken for not being a local and i can hear them saying some unpleasant comments. So understand what you're getting yourself into when you joined the tour with larger group - no water heater, no water, no electricity, and below par services & accommodation coming from Sutera Sanctuary lodges. If you've overbooked yourself, dont blame it on the guests and make them leave the dinner table early to accommodate your overbooked guests. There's a certain standard which isn't met as no one has actually left any bad reviews cause they've achieved what they wanted to achieve, then again it's easy to be blindsided and short changed when you dont actually know what the standard is like as there's...

Sutera Sanctuary Lodge in Laban Rata is a true mountain oasis and an essential part of the unforgettable Mount Kinabalu experience. Nestled high in the Malaysian Borneo mountains, this lodge is a haven for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

The location of Sutera Sanctuary Lodge is its most remarkable feature. Situated at an elevation of around 3,273 meters (10,738 feet) above sea level, it serves as a resting point for climbers tackling Mount Kinabalu. The panoramic views from the lodge are awe-inspiring, especially at dawn and dusk when the mountain is bathed in a golden glow.

The lodge offers comfortable and cozy accommodations, which is a welcome sight after a challenging climb. The rooms are equipped with the essentials needed for a mountain stay, and the staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring trekkers are well taken care of.

One of the standout experiences at Sutera Sanctuary Lodge is the dining. They provide hearty meals to refuel hikers, and the buffet-style dining allows guests to replenish their energy with a variety of dishes. The food is surprisingly good given the remote location, and it's a pleasant surprise to enjoy warm meals in the chilly mountain air.

For trekkers aiming to summit Mount Kinabalu, the proximity of Sutera Sanctuary Lodge to the peak is a significant advantage. It provides the opportunity to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the mesmerizing views before the final ascent.

While the lodge offers basic amenities due to its remote location, it's the unique experience and natural beauty that make it a memorable destination. The pristine environment, fresh mountain air, and the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of Mount Kinabalu are truly special.

In conclusion, Sutera Sanctuary Lodge in Laban Rata is an essential stop for anyone undertaking the Mount Kinabalu climb. It's a place where trekkers can recharge, savor the mountain's beauty, and forge memories of a lifetime. The remarkable location and the friendly staff make it a worthwhile part of the adventure, and I highly recommend it to anyone embarking on this...

New level of adventures to reach Laban Rata! My group and i had our hard adventures and happy moments in this trip. You must have the stamina and preparations workout before the climbing. That is the basic of your trip you need to achieve and must take a multivitamin especially magnesium/ calcium tablets for a month or two. Preferably magnesium chloride tab.. to minimise the muscle soreness the next day after climbing(you can google it to verify) My soreness still there day 1post climbling but i can able to walk around comfortable. Warning though.. don't climb during your menses. It was quite difficult climb for me. Unable to reach summit because of it.

The Laban Rata resthouse is the main resthouse beside the few available resthouses. You will have your food in there; dinner at 4.30pm, supper at 2am, breakfast after came down from the summit will be on 7.30am. Just no hot water after sundown. Caution: let yourself have a fullrest when you reach Laban Rata for the next day dawn climb although you might have a difficulty of napping in that coldness and thin air at the Laban Rata height. I only have a light napping but my other friend have difficulty to sleep at all which affects her climbing to the peak the next morning. The next room friend's snoring sound not helping at all too. Or the heavy dragging steps on the foyer disturb your nap..(* better to bring your own earpluggers and eyes cover if you are a not comfortable to sleep with all the noises or lights)

*tips: arrange in your group to bring lightweight hairdryer, kettle for better comfort. Also, You can always let the porter or the guide to carry your heavy begs. Lastly, good luck every climbers! Hopefully i will do another climb to reach summit...