Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia, a world heritage and situated nicely in Kota Kinabalu Sabah, East Malaysia or commonly known to some as the head of Borneo.
Our trip started from a van ride taken at Kota Kinabalu. The van ride was enjoyable enough if you don't mind the open windows and other locals. But the scenery were priceless as the van whizzed through hills and lush green vegetations at each side.
Arriving at Kinabalu Park we proceeds with our registrations. Our accommodations were booked months before (this is very important, especially to get a sleeping spot at the top of the mountain). We got ourselves two beds at one of the hostel and walked around the park. The park is cool even at mid afternoon so it was really refreshing. Had our lunch at a really nice restaurant a few minutes walk away. Really nice and we actually could see the mountain when the weather cleared.The food were really up to our taste and I tried coffee mixed with liquor to heat my body up.
The next morning, we started our climb by taking a van ride from the Park HQ up to Timpohon Gate. Both me & Cindy opted for a walking stick. I knew I needed it as my stamina were not in the highest state.
The climb, I remembered had about 10 stops. Each stops have a small open hut with toilet and water pipes that actually provides fresh mountain water which are safe & actually better to drink. So to those who intend to climb, you don't have to worry much about water supply.
So after around three hours climb, we reached the height where the vegetation were stunted and the hard earth turned more into hard boulders. This when some climbers had to stopped and 'rearrange' their breathing as the air becomes thinner. Some also started to experienced altitude sickness at this point. Luckily, Cindy & me had no problem with those except for me who really had to pushed myself. If it wasn't her first climb & just being sympathetic with me, I think she could've arrived at Laban Rata much earlier.
"Laban Rata Resthouse"
So I told her to go first following and I managed to reach Laban Rata an hour later than her. We thought of going out to experience the surrounding but the weather had a bad turn so we had to stay indoors all the time. Pity.
The next morning, at 2 am actually, we started the second leg of our climb. Equipped with flash light and our helpful young guide we trudged on the rocky surface. At this point, some had to turn back because of altitude sickness and the freezing cold.
The first challenge were the thousand wooden steps that we had to take. To me, who didn't particularly like stairs, that was really tiring. But we reach the top of the stairs I looked back and the view took my breath away. It was still dark but we could actually the expand of the surrounding areas. Far off we could actually see the twinkling lights from Kota Kinabalu.
And as dawn approached, the rocky surrounding became visible. When things looked near but actually so far away. And I couldn't help but keep on asking 'Are we there yet?'. At this time my breathing had some problems but I kept on. It was hard, yes, but the surrounding pushed me on and the fact that the peak were not far off.
Later, with the help of my guide, I finally reached Low Peak which is the summit of Mount Kinabalu. I actually gave long whoop at the peak for finally reaching there. The peak is actually a crop of jagged rock & few climbers already sat there. So I had some time to get my photo taken.
Thought we could spend more time on the peak but our guide advised us to go down quickly. But at least we managed to really enjoyed the view & played around a bit. I got to take some photos and happy that many turns out well.
When we reach Laban Rata then we realised why our guide asked us to come down quickly. By then thick fogs covered the peak and it would be dangerous if we stayed up longer.
After resting a while at Laban Rata, joking with some of the guides, we made our way down. Some may find going down was harder but I knew from my first failed climb (yes, this was my second climb) it would be easier if you 'run' down. Seriously. There is a special run not the usual 100 meter dash. Asked your guide to show you how.
And our guide actually showed us a short cut and our climbing down are cut into half.
Finally we reached Timpohon Gate and our climb was over.
How did I feel personally? Tired & exhilarating at the same time.
Three years had passed, the Park had undergone some major changes. Prices had increased but I heard a lot of things had improved.
There are many articles on Mount Kinabalu for those who wanted to climb. But for me, Mount Kinabalu are not hard to climb for those who had no problems climbing stairs. For those like me, it might be quite a challenge. Its relatively safe to climb but never underestimated nature. Those who did had suffered from them. The worst was the case of young Australian girl who got lost in the fogs & died due to cold.
But fret not, its safe. I'm planning on my third climb.
If you want to booked your room you can contact Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Advisable to book months early. Its not easy to the get the room at Laban Rata. There are other huts too but I would recommend Laban Rata though I heard it had become a little pricey.
Oh yes, after finishing the climb, you will be given a climbing certificate. The extra sweet topping of a memorable time.
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