Le Meridien Kota Kinabala and Mt Kinabalu

LeMeridien Kota Kinabalu

Well located resort on the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu and a great cash and points rate. On checkin switched to a King Bed on high floor but no club access (as SPG Gold). Large room that is stylish yet understated, hotel showing some signs of age but in reasonable condition. Pool on level 2 is quite nice but appears underused.

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In and around Kota Kinabalu
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Climbing Mt Kinabalu

I decided to set myself a challenge despite having not done much training and climb Mt Kinabalu. Due to availability of Sipidan dive spots I could only do the one day climb. This has advantages in being cheaper (not having an overnight at Labu Raten), means you don’t have to climb in the dark, and limited to 4-5ppl, but you often get cloud cover at the top in the middle of the day. It is also a dammit tough climb. Pickup at hotel 500, Started climbing at 725. The way up is 8.6km long and 2200m vertical to reach Lows Peak of 4100m. Great view at the top and spent 25min there. Down is the same way and distance. I actually found the way down harder – combination of the distance and some sunburn.

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Slept very well that night!!