Laban Rata Resthouse - Hostel

The restaurant has a great sunset view, and the food is good too. Bring enough drinking water before climbing, since there’s no water to refill, and no hot water either. The room is okay and has the basics for resting before the next day’s summit attempt. Remember, the bath water is cold.

The food was exceptional for a mountain hut. We stayed in the Laban rata hostel, in a room with around 15 beds. It was pretty clean, but nights were cold, around 5-7 degrees, so we slept in our mountain clothes.

After a tiring climb, the lovely view and delicious buffet dinner made me feel comfortable and ready for sleep. I had dinner, supper and breakfast at what I understand is the highest restaurant in Malaysia, and it was a memorable experience. I took a cold shower, then got up early the next morning for another climb to the summit.

The experience gets really challenging when the weather turns bad. There’s just one lodge at Panalaban, with good facilities and food, but it was too cold to sleep. Management should improve the room heating or water heater. Haha, it was a challenge! Solar panels for the electricity supply might be a good idea.