Yes, you can.  Kota Kinabalu has ample taxis, most of whom will be willing to transport you to the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges' properties.  If you are climbing the mountain and will leave early in the morning, try to arrange the taxi the night before, as it's best to depart Kota Kinabalu around 5am - 6am.  Negotiate the rate with your taxi driver before you set off and give some thought about how you will get back.

Alternatively, you can take a minibus taxi to Ranau, or a long distance bus to Sandakan, all of which will pass Kinabalu Park, Kundasang (from where you can take a taxi to Mesilau Nature Resort) and Ranau (from where you can take a taxi to Poring Hot Spring).

You can also contact a tour company to arrange a transfer.

Kinabalu Park, park headquaters and also the start of the Timpohon Trail to the top of Mt. Kinabalu, is an approximately 2 hour drive away from Kota Kinabalu.  Weather and traffic conditions can influence this estimate both ways.

Yes, it is, but it's not impossible.  As with most strenuous activities, the better shape you're in, the easier the challenge will be.  If you are in good health and do at least some form of activity on a regular basis, you will be able to conquer Mt Kinabalu.  The path is quite steep in places and consists of lots of steps of varying height.

Ironically, the last 3km to the summit, the smoothest part of the trail, is the more grueling part of the climb, as it's one continuously sweeping slope, and you can see the summit from very far away.  And although it's often referred to as a climb, the trail does, in fact, not involve any climbing as such.

Simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape, appreciate where you are and gulp the fresh air - before you know it, you'll be on top of the world (well, on top of Borneo, at least).

You have to start your climb before 11.30am to leave a safe window to reach Laban Rata before dark, but the earlier you start, the better.  You can estimate for it to take about 4 to 6 hours, especially if you're in medium shape and taking it easy, with frequent rest stops. 

Mt Kinabalu, with a height of 4,095m, not only has it's own weather, seemingly seperate to that from anything around it, but it's notoriously hard to predict.

It's always wise to plan for rain, because chances are it might rain somewhere along your journey.  Statistically, Sabah experiences more rain from September to March, but the last couple of years has showed that August and October are Mt Kinabalu's rainiest months.

That said, don't expect it to rain, but don't expect it not to rain either.  Rather be prepared.