Climbing Mount Kinabalu

It took me days to agree to climb Mount Kinabalu as part of my trip to Sabah. Of course, you may say that I couldn't claimed myself had visited Sabah without climbing this famous mount Kinabalu. right ??? For a person that does not exercise often or not a climbing/hiking freak, it is a kind of hard decision (at least for me!). However, once i decided to climb it, I would convinced myself to CONQUER it!! (Wow!!)

I was told to bring a list of climbing equipments, climbing preparation (which is exercise or jogging). As a student, budget travel is always what I hoped for. So, maggie cup was brought as well!!! (As you know, tourism spot is always expensive for locals!! sigh ~~)

I was also brief about the 2 day climbing to the peak. Day 1, we have to wake up and start climbing early to reach Laban Rata (6 km from the starting point) before dark falls.Then, we will overnight there and start climbing even earlier, 2am the next day to reach LOW's peak(another 2.5 km) before 6am to see breathtaking sunrise from above the clouds, 13,435 feet (4095 meters) above sea level. (It surprises me when i heard that!)

Here came the day of climbing. We started off at Timpohon Gate of Summit Trail. (You may choose to start off at Mesilau trail which is an alternatif to mount Kinabalu, another 2 km more climbing distance!! for those climbing fans, go for it!!)The trail rises steadily as a series of rough, uneven steps, right up to the overnight huts at Laban Rata (3,272 meters/10,735 feet). Along the way there will be 7 shelters (pondok), where each shelter have toilets and untreated mountain water source. The shelters give the weary (me!! and my poor legs) some well earned rest at intervals and the water tanks will provide me refreshing water from time to time. It took me 7 hours to reach Laban Rata!!

I was so hungry that time and I was looking forward to eat as much as i can at Laban Rata. (As this was the only thing that made me happy and energitic along the way!)The buffet served may not as as good as nor as variety as I thought, but it filled my stomach as i wished before! It was about 7pm that time. After settle down in room and dressed nicely for the next day. then, everybody prepared to sleep around 8pm as the next phase of climb will begins at about 2am.

This was another hard time for me as my thigh muscle started to arch (due to lack of exercise/warming up before climb). Most of the time I had to hold something for stability.I managed to reach Low's Peak around 7.30am. Missed the sunrise!! (expected) However, i was happy that me myself (my hands and my legs especially) made it to the peak! Then, I started to climb down the summit, back to Laban Rata. the scene of climbing down scared me!! (can you imagine??)

When climbing down to the Timpohon Gate, i was exhausted and most of my weight fell on both of my thighs, knees and the ball of my foot. At this moment, a wood guide ('tongkat' in Malay. It costs RM3 at the Kinabalu park, RM5 at Timpohon Gate and RM10 at Laban Rata!! If you think you may need it, buy earlier!) would be very helpful! Finally, I managed to reach the Timpohon Gate at 5pm. The person-in-charged was happy to see me as they can locked the gate after i stepped out!! (oh my god!! I was the last person of my team!)

I suffered for muscular pain for 1 week after the climb. Poor me! However, it was an unforgetable journey (not to mention about my muscular pain) because of its beautiful scenery. (I found it hard to describe but worth to experience with your own.)For more information,you may check it out here.

If you are looking forward to climb it, please check and booking in advance by click here.

Enjoy life to the fullest !