Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

The name via ferrata, or via ferrate (plural) originates from an Italian word ‘Via Attrezzata’ (fully equipped road), which means routes that are secured by handrails, ladders, cables or lifelines.

Mountain Torq’s activities are run by Moutain Torq Sdn Bhd which is based in Sabah, Malaysia. Launched in mid-December 2007, The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata is a mountain ‘trail’ made up of iron rungs, palettes (footholds), cables and rails that are wrapped around the North Face of Mount Kinabalu.

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata starts at Mount Kinabalu Panar Laban Rock Face (approximately 3,300 meters) and reaches its highest point at 3,800 meters.

Thrill seekers adrenaline junkies will get their sufficient fix from the available packages at the via ferrata, namely: Walk the Torq, The Low’s Peak Circuit, The Preamble, The Balancing Act, The High Path, and Conquer the Torq.

Other activities available are intro to sports climbing (single pitch), intro to sports climbing (multi pitch), sports climbing level 1, sports climbing level 2, intro to rappelling (abseiling), rappelling (abseiling) level 1, and intro to rope ascending.

Accommodations are available at the Pendant Hut—3,270 meters above sea level, which can accommodate at least 30 people at one time, with a dormitory-bunk bed type.

The Sayat-Sayat—3,668 meters above sea level, which accommodates 10 people at a time, with a dormitory-bunk bed type.

Getting There

The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata is 88 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu, or 1 hour and 30 minutes away by road transportation.

By bus, visitors can take a bus headed to Kundasang or Ranau at the City Bus Terminal (North). Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau are available from 7.30a.m to 5p.m; bus fare is RM15 per person.

To return to Kota Kinabalu, take a bus across road outside Kinabalu Park (reconfirm with Kinabalu Park reception counter) headed to Kota Kinabalu.

By taxi, visitors can take the Ranau taxi at the Ranau taxi stand (next to the Merdeka Field) or request from the hotel lobby. From Ranau Taxi station, taxi fare charged is RM160 per taxi; while from hotel lobby, taxi fare charged is RM300 per taxi.

For a return trip to Kota Kinabalu, take a bus from Poring Hot Springs to Ranau town. From Ranau town, find a taxi back to Kota Kinabalu.

Visitors can also rent a car and drive by themselves. Cars can be rented either directly from car rental companies or requested via hotel lobby car rental service. Rental charge is from RM180 and above per car/ day. Please refer to car rental list for more information.