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What is Via Ferrata

A via ferrata (or ‘iron road’ in Italian, plural via ferrate) is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to rock climbers and mountaineers.

The excitement, scenic beauty and personal conquest you will experience on a via ferrata is guaranteed to give you an invigorating nostalgic experience for years to come.There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world predominantly in Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Spain, and a few places in the United States and Canada.

The world’s highest via ferrata, Mountain Torq - which also happens to be Asia’s first - can now be found on Mt Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo.

What is Mountain Torq

Mountain Torq is the World’s highest via ferrata and Asia’s first via ferrata located at Mt Kinabalu’s Panar Laban rock face. It starts at 3,400m and ends at 3,800m – the next highest via ferrata is found in the Italian Dolomites called the Marmolada West ridge, at the highest point of 3,343 meters.

Via Ferrata Climbing

An Activity for Everyone

The Mt Kinabalu via ferrata is devised to give climbers with little or no climbing experience access to rock faces normally reached by mountaineers and rock climbers. The minimum requirements needed for the first time via ferrate climber are:

• Average fitness level (Able to hike up to 3,200m in 6 hrs)
• At least 10 years old and 1.3meters tall
• Do not have a fear of heights or are willing to conquer their fear of heights

The Mt Kinabalu via ferrata routes are designed with beginner and intermediate climbers in mind.

• There is a via ferrata route to match everyone’s ability and endurance.
• Beginner climbers can take their first experience along the granite walls of Mt Kinabalu. A journey of 2 to 3 hours.
• Intermediate climbers embark on a 4 to 5 hours journey to experience the challenge of mountaineering and the lesser seen side of the mountain’s breathtaking heights and sights.
• The diversity of via ferrata routes means there is something for everyone – whether he or she is 10 or 70, a keen mountaineer or a casual holidaymaker.

No mountaineering experience? Don’t worry!

There is always an experienced via ferrata trainer to lead the way. With over 1km of carefully planned out activity routes, Amazing Borneo Tours via ferrata participants can now enjoy the full experience of mountaineering in a safe and controlled environment.

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Adventure Routes

Walk The Torq

(Grade: French PD, Italian 2A)

At 3,520m above sea level (a.s.l), this is an introductory route designed for the beginners. It is a leisure 2 – 3 hours climb offering the thrill of walking above the clouds and dramatic bird’s eye view of mountain vistas, while being securely fasted to the side of the mountain. Reward yourself, as you feel your spirits soar with the spectacular views.

Low's Peak Circuit

(Grade: French AD, Italian 3C)

Explore nature’s wonders from Low's Peak Circuit at 3,776m above sea level (a.s.l.). Get glimpses of the uncommonly seen hidden corners of the mountain plateau as well as the broad and stunning landscapes surrounding the mountain. Designed for the brave and active with above-average fitness levels, this 4 - 6 hour route with an optional summit attempt includes rest stops at scenic locations.

Accommodation for Via Ferrata Climbers

Pendant Hut

Located at 3,289m on the Panalaban Base Camp rock slab, Pendant Hut is a cozy and eco-friendly alpine lodge reserved exclusively for via ferrata climbers. Bear in mind that it only has dormitory-style beds or a private room for 4 persons. The private room comes with an extra charge. Send your enquiry to info@amazingborneo.com for more details on room charges. Pendant Hut is unheated but one good thing is all beds come with sleeping bags.

Check-in Time :2.00pm - 4.00pm
Check-out Time :Before 12.00pm

Things to do at Pendant Hut

You can enjoy your post-midnight supper and American breakfasts, relax at the comfortable lounge area, pick up a climbing book at the mini alpine library or have fun playing board games. From here you can try to spot your Via Ferrata pals on the Panar Laban rock face! All dinner will be at Laban Rata’s restaurant which is only a short walk away.

Mandatory Briefing at Pendant Hut

All via ferrata climbers our required to attend the MANDATORY pre-activity briefings held BETWEEN 3PM and 4PM DAILY at Pendant Hut.

Please take note that all guests are required to wear a face mask at Pendant Hut. Guests must bring their own supply and wear them consistently, except when eating, drinking or sleeping.