Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Laban Rata is a camping area located on the inclination of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. It is built at 3,272 meters above sea level and acts as a resting place for Mount Kinabalu climbers and workers of Kinabalu Park after a day of climbing.
Laban Rata is nestled in Kinabalu Park itself and is maintained by Sabah Parks who are also in charge of keeping the Kinabalu Park. There are many rest houses at Laban Rata which provide warm lodgings such as Laban Rata Resthouse, Gunting Lagadan Hut, Panar Laban Hut, and Waras Hut. Guests from these rest houses can obtain their hot meals at the Laban Rata Restaurant which is just a short walk away.
Laban Rata resthouse is the main accommodation at Laban Rata and is operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Laban Rata also provides facilities such as water storage tanks, an emergency room, electricity generators and mobile phone signal facilities.
Accommodations at Laban Rata
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges operates the Laban Rata Resthouse along with other rest houses in the Kinabalu Park area. The resthouse consists of dormitory-style rooms and some private rooms.
Laban Rata Dormitory Rooms
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
The unisex dormitory-style accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse is non-heated and equipped with common bathrooms with non-heated showers. There are 30 units of bunk beds altogether and they are cosy for a good night’s rest before climbing the Mount Kinabalu summit. The dormitories can accommodate 2 to 12 people at a time. Guests are provided with a mattress, a pillow and a blanket on each bunk bed.
Laban Rata Private Rooms
Buttercup 1
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Buttercup 1 is a private room that offers 198 square feet of spacious room with twin beds. It also has a private bathroom with a non-heated shower. The room accommodates two climbers comfortably and provides mattresses, pillows, and blankets for a good night’s rest.
Buttercup 2
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Buttercup 2 is a private room that offers 176 square feet of spacious room with twin beds. Guests can also enjoy a private bathroom with a non-heated shower. This cosy room provides mattresses, pillows, and blankets that guarantee a good and fitful rest.
Buttercup 3
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Buttercup 3 is a private room at Laban Rata that offers 28 square feet of spacious room and features three bunk beds that accommodate 6 climbers comfortably. Furthermore, guests can enjoy the private bathroom with a non-heated shower and will be provided with some mattresses, pillows, and blankets on every bunk bed for maximum comfort.
Facilities and Services at Laban Rata
Laban Rata provides other facilities besides rest houses such as a restaurant, a grocery store and a reception counter. These facilities exist to ensure that the climbers are sufficiently taken care of to make sure that they don’t lack anything essential for their climb.
The friendly staff at Laban Rata are always ready to assist the climbers to ensure a pleasant experience. The Laban Rata Resthouse also enables guests to rent essential items such as a sleeping bag, towels, warm jackets, torchlights and blankets if needed.
Laban Rata Restaurant
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
The Laban Rata Restaurant caters to all guests staying at all the huts on Laban Rata. They offer a la carte menu and buffet-style meals. The dinner starts from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm while supper starts from 2:00 am to 3:30 am.
The Laban Rata Restaurant serves breakfast every morning from 7:30 am to 10:30 am to make sure that climbers are well-nourished and ready for their adventure to the summit.
Laban Rata Grocery Counter
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
The Laban Rata grocery counter called The Goodie Bag Shop opens from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day and is located right next to the reception counter for easy access.
The Goodie Bag Shop sells an array of things such as beverages, snacks, gloves, socks, beers, souvenirs, anti-slip waterproof rubber shoes, and many more which might be of use for climbers who forgot to pack their climbing essentials.
The Goodie Bag Shop is a comfort for climbers who wish to stock up on their snacks on the mountain or for a late-night treat.
Laban Rata Reception Counter
The Laban Rata reception counter located right next to The Goodie Bag Shop serves to assist guests with inquiries or special requests. It is also a spot where guests can check in starting from 1:00 pm every day and settle in their rooms in time for their adventure on the mountain.
Guests can start to check out at 10:30 am which is sufficient time after they descend back down from the mountain summit and eat their breakfast at the Laban Rata Restaurant.
Conclusion
Photo from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges website
Traversing Mount Kinabalu at Kundasang is a great way to take a break from crowded cities like Kota Kinabalu. You get to stay at the cosy Laban Rata Resthouse at Kinabalu Park and start your journey from Panalaban Base Camp to make your way to the picturesque mountain summit for a challenging yet tranquil experience amid lush greenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laban Rata?
Laban Rata is a resting place for those who are climbing Mount Kinabalu. There are rest houses, a shop and a restaurant provided for the comfort of its guests.
How far is Laban Rata from Kota Kinabalu International Airport?
Laban Rata is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport by car.
Are there restaurants at Laban Rata?
Laban Rata only has one restaurant that caters to all the guests staying at the rest houses nearby.