Name: Laban Rata Resthouse Hostel
Address: Laban Rata Mount Kinabalu, Mount KinabaluKundasangSabah, Kota Belud, , Malaysia, Ranau, Ranau, Ranau, 0, Malaysia
Rating: 7

24-hour reception

Smoke-free property

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Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Laban Rata Resthouse Hostel

Ranau

There were 9 of us and was assigned to a 12 person dorm (3 empty bed). 

Pro: food variety was nice, taste was alright. Room provided one time use slipper. Toilet paper was provided as well. There is water dispenser to refill free cold and hot water.

Con: bed was not that comfortable but obviously I don’t expect a 5 star thick mattress. Should also provide more outdoor sitting area for hikers to chill after dinner as the indoor sitting area has limited space.

Tips: ear plug is a must. Bring along a small flask as there is free hot water refill. Bring along your own 3 in 1 coffee.

Better Than I Expected

After a challenging 6-hour climb from the park headquarters to Laban Rata in the cold and rain, it's nice to change into dry clothes and relax. We stayed in the common rooms with eight bunk beds. The beds and linens are reasonably comfy, but the rooms are cramped and noisy (some people are unbelievably inconsiderate).  No hot water for showers and electricity goes off around 9 pm.  The food was not as good as I expected from other reviews, but OK considering that everything has to be lugged up the mountain by porters.

What do you expect at 10,000 feet?!

After a day’s climb from base camp HQ to Laban Rata rest house, situated at 6km from the start of the trek, my group and I were happy to find a pleasant accommodation. Part of ‘Sumera’, the same company as our stay at Basecamp, this accommodation was comfortable and spacious, just what we needed to get some rest and food before our early 1am start the next day. The rooms were dormitory style, with bunk beds and a decent amount of floor space to put any rucksacks or luggage. The wash facilities were good, kept clean and tidy for visitors’ use. For dinner, it was a buffet style meal, where guest had to show their climb passes, to ensure only one serving so everyone had enough. People served your food onto your plate for you, and for the most part the food was to a great quality. There were noodles, rice, pasta bolognaise, sausages, veggies and a ben a little rice pudding for desert. Hot drinks could be made by one’s self, a little luxury after a chilly climb. Unfortunately, there was nowhere to refill water apart from the toilet sinks, and hot drinks were not allowed to be taken, similarly no outside food or drink brought in. After admiring the beautiful sunset from our windows (although there are viewing platforms), we all had a good, comfortable sleep, before supper at 1:30. The food was similar to before, self-service this time, and with a few more breakfast-y options, like scrambled eggs instead of veggies. After a few cups of Sabah tea, we successfully submitted Mount Kinabalu, and just got back in time for breakfast and check out at 10:30. 
Overall, a pleasant stay, fit for purpose.

Enjoyable stay, perfect for recharging for the summit.

October 2022 was my 7th time to climb Mt. Kinabalu (since 1995) and my 7th time to stay in Labanrata Resthouse. I'm finding with the now ridiculous prices that Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL) now charge it's really difficult to justify or recommend climbing Mt. K anymore. (RM4000+/2pax/1night!) SSL need to seriously think about repair work and maintenance to Labanrata as it has become badly dilapidated and rundown under their stewardship - while SSL are happy to grab as much tourists $money$ as they can. For goodness sake reinvest some money back into maintaining your building! During our recent stay the upstairs women's toilets were badly leaking brown 'water' (multiple leaks downstairs onto the dining tables below - YUCK! There were 4 buckets placed to catch this filth - and it seemed to just 'be the daily norm' - Seriously? On this trip we paid extra for a $private room$ (which was spacious, nice and clean)  but our hot shower still did not work! I would gladly pay USD$10 extra for a 5min hot shower! (Note: Even in the remote Himalayas at 17,000ft and 9days walk in from anywhere - the most remote, basic lodges offer GAS hot showers for USD$5 or less)  On a good note the food at Labanrata Resthouse was goodish (for its location and logistics) and food a plenty. The staff were generally friendly and attentive. I remember back in the 90s/early 2000s (multiple family trips ) to Labanrata/Mt.K - the bedrooms/dorms were all heated and there was a hot shower for guests back then  - not anymore!  Advice to SSL: Install some GAS hot water showers - guests would gladly pay optional extra for this little luxury and would provide extra income for the porters in carrying the gas up.

Overpriced and needs serious maintenance.

We (group of 6 climbers) has the most memorable and successful climb to peak of Mount Kinabalu on 18 June 2022. The excellent service rendered by Freddie (Manager at Laban Rata, SSL), Suhaimi and staff had made our stay at Laban Rata more comfortable with their courteous and friendly services. Thank you to all of you for this amazing climb and stay for us, 6 climbers. Thanks to Sharon, Sutera Santuary Lodge for the climbing arrangement. ❤️

Memorable climb expedition to Mount Kinabalu

Our group of five climbers had a pleasant stay in a 6-bed bedroom at Laban Rata Reshouse. Overall the staff gave excellent service and they went the extra mile to serve us. 

We truly appreciated the service given to us, notably by Mr. Freddie Jude Julani, who we believe was  exceptional in meeting our requests to dry our wet clothes and shoes, and provided a warm jacket to one of our climbers who was feeling cold due to heavy rain and strong winds.

We recommend climbers to book the Buttercup no. 3  room in Laban Rata Resthouse, to gain better access to amenities (ensuite toilet & bathroom) comfort and privacy of climbers.

Lastly, despite not able to climb to the adverse weather conditions, we had wonderful and pleasant stay at Laban Rata Resthouse. We hope the Authorities shall look into the need to upgrade the supply of electricity to Laban Rata and other nearby resthouses on Panalaban, Mount Kinabalu. Heating and hot water are urgently needed by climbers and those working on Mount Kinabalu. Thank you.

Mount Kinabalu Climb 9-10 July 2022

Stayed at the lodge for 1 night after reaching Laban Rata. Treated to a wide selection of freshly cooked buffet meals on arrival! My room had a twin bed with an ensuite bathroom. Sadly, the water heater wasn't working. The room is pretty basic with no heating but very clean and comfortable. Overall my experience staying at the lodge was pleasant and comfortable. Would definitely return back here in the future!

Lodge is clean, comfortable and their staff are warm and friendly. Highly recommended!

We got two room for 10 pax. Overall, the room is all in good condition. Don’t expect a room like a 5 star hotel, just enjoy the scenery and cozy feeling in the room. No light? no problem, use your headlamp! Yes the water is very cold when go take a shower, no complain, it’s only once in a lifetime :D try it! Sorry no picture inside the room :P

Conquered mount kinabalu!

We got a private room with bathroom attached. It is above the dining area and very convenient to get our meals. The room was clean and there is a nice view of the rock face and waterfall.  The only setback was the light in the bathroom was not working. Don't expect to get a hot shower.

Enjoyed the stay

Overall my stay was very pleasant. I have been coming here every year. Service good. food   also good but I think there's too much MSG added to the food but I could be wrong.
The electricity was the biggest let down and needs to be seriously improved. Plus the dining area had leakages - water dripping down.
But generally it was pleasant, good staff working there, especially the Manager.

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