Conquering Mount Kinabalu: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey by USM Chemical Engineering Students
5 May 2026 - Two final-year Chemical Engineering students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Ahmad Fikri Ahmad Faiz and Khairul Syahmi Khairul Muzamir, together with three of their friends, took on the challenge to conquer Malaysia’s highest peak; Mount Kinabalu. The team also consisted of Akmal Zahiruddin Shahrul Alimi, Mohamad Afif Zahin Azmi, and Muhamad Amin Mohamad Zuki.
The journey began with an initiative by Ahmad Fikri, who acted as the team leader and planned the entire trip independently through a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach by booking directly with Sabah Parks without engaging any travel agents. Initially, only the two Chemical Engineering students were fully committed to the plan. However, they actively sought three additional members to complete a group of five, as this configuration allows one mountain guide per group, making the trip more cost-efficient, especially for shared costs such as transportation to Timpohon Gate.
After successfully forming a complete team, Ahmad Fikri closely monitored updates from Sabah Parks regarding the opening of climbing slot registrations, typically announced at the end of December. The group initially planned to book the Lemaing Hostel for a 2-day-1-night package due to its affordability. However, due to limited availability, they had to stay up late to secure their booking as soon as registration opened. The selected date, May 5th 2026 was carefully chosen to align with their mid-semester break, ensuring availability for all members.
Although the original plan focused solely on the hiking activity, the group later expanded their itinerary into a 4-day-3-night trip (4–7 May 2026) in Sabah after considering time and energy factors. With an estimated budget of approximately RM1,500 per person, all arrangements, including climbing permits, Lemaing Hostel accommodation, mountain guide services, car rental, additional lodging, and flight tickets, were managed independently without the assistance of any agents. Their itinerary and travel plans were further refined through research on platforms such as TikTok and advice from experienced friends.
According to their climbing itinerary, the journey began at Kinabalu Park, Kundasang on Day 1, with registration taking place between 7:00 am and 10:30 am. The team completed necessary procedures such as paying entrance fees, registering at the climbing counter, and submitting required documents, including identification copies and indemnity forms. They then met their mountain guide and proceeded to Timpohon Gate to begin their ascent to Panalaban. Upon arrival, they checked into Lemaing/Panalaban Hostel at around 1:00 pm and had dinner at Laban Rata Resthouse.
Day 2 marked the most challenging phase, known as the “summit attack.” The team began their ascent as early as 2:00 am after a light meal. Hiking in the dark, they made their way to the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint before continuing to Low’s Peak. Their goal was to reach the summit in time for sunrise, offering a breathtaking view from the top of Mount Kinabalu. After successfully reaching the peak, the team spent a short period of time capturing photos before descending back to Panalaban for breakfast. The descent continued to Timpohon Gate, with the aim of arriving before 4:00 pm to avoid additional charges. Both Ahmad Fikri and Khairul Syahmi arrived at the gate as early as 12.40 pm. The other team mates only reached Timpohon 2 hours later.
All the five comrades reached Low’s Peak under favorable weather conditions, where excellent photos and snapshots could be captured and brought home. Despite the physical and mental challenges encountered throughout the climb, the experience proved to be immensely rewarding and memorable. In conclusion, this expedition not only tested the participants’ endurance but also strengthened their teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The project apparently highlights the ability of Universiti Sains Malaysia students to execute impactful initiatives through effective planning, collaboration, and dedication, while reinforcing their readiness to take on greater challenges in the future.
Text by: Ahmad Fikri Ahmad Faiz
Edited by: MHU
Photos by: Ahmad Fikri Ahmad Faiz and Khairul Syahmi Khairul Muzamir
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The journey began with an initiative by Ahmad Fikri, who acted as the team leader and planned the entire trip independently through a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach by booking directly with Sabah Parks without engaging any travel agents. Initially, only the two Chemical Engineering students were fully committed to the plan. However, they actively sought three additional members to complete a group of five, as this configuration allows one mountain guide per group, making the trip more cost-efficient, especially for shared costs such as transportation to Timpohon Gate.
 |
 |
After successfully forming a complete team, Ahmad Fikri closely monitored updates from Sabah Parks regarding the opening of climbing slot registrations, typically announced at the end of December. The group initially planned to book the Lemaing Hostel for a 2-day-1-night package due to its affordability. However, due to limited availability, they had to stay up late to secure their booking as soon as registration opened. The selected date, May 5th 2026 was carefully chosen to align with their mid-semester break, ensuring availability for all members.
 |
 |
Although the original plan focused solely on the hiking activity, the group later expanded their itinerary into a 4-day-3-night trip (4–7 May 2026) in Sabah after considering time and energy factors. With an estimated budget of approximately RM1,500 per person, all arrangements, including climbing permits, Lemaing Hostel accommodation, mountain guide services, car rental, additional lodging, and flight tickets, were managed independently without the assistance of any agents. Their itinerary and travel plans were further refined through research on platforms such as TikTok and advice from experienced friends.
According to their climbing itinerary, the journey began at Kinabalu Park, Kundasang on Day 1, with registration taking place between 7:00 am and 10:30 am. The team completed necessary procedures such as paying entrance fees, registering at the climbing counter, and submitting required documents, including identification copies and indemnity forms. They then met their mountain guide and proceeded to Timpohon Gate to begin their ascent to Panalaban. Upon arrival, they checked into Lemaing/Panalaban Hostel at around 1:00 pm and had dinner at Laban Rata Resthouse.
Day 2 marked the most challenging phase, known as the “summit attack.” The team began their ascent as early as 2:00 am after a light meal. Hiking in the dark, they made their way to the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint before continuing to Low’s Peak. Their goal was to reach the summit in time for sunrise, offering a breathtaking view from the top of Mount Kinabalu. After successfully reaching the peak, the team spent a short period of time capturing photos before descending back to Panalaban for breakfast. The descent continued to Timpohon Gate, with the aim of arriving before 4:00 pm to avoid additional charges. Both Ahmad Fikri and Khairul Syahmi arrived at the gate as early as 12.40 pm. The other team mates only reached Timpohon 2 hours later.
All the five comrades reached Low’s Peak under favorable weather conditions, where excellent photos and snapshots could be captured and brought home. Despite the physical and mental challenges encountered throughout the climb, the experience proved to be immensely rewarding and memorable. In conclusion, this expedition not only tested the participants’ endurance but also strengthened their teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The project apparently highlights the ability of Universiti Sains Malaysia students to execute impactful initiatives through effective planning, collaboration, and dedication, while reinforcing their readiness to take on greater challenges in the future.
Text by: Ahmad Fikri Ahmad Faiz
Edited by: MHU
Photos by: Ahmad Fikri Ahmad Faiz and Khairul Syahmi Khairul Muzamir