Location: Kundasang, RanauCoordinates: 6°5′N 116°33′E
We planned the climb starting from last year, as advance booking of the accomodation is needed at the mountain. There were 4 of us taking part in the climb, which I would think it is perfectly nice with small number. 3 of us required porter to carry our bag up to the mountain, and only 1 which carrying the bag by himself.
We reached earlier to KK, and taking a rest on the hotel provided by our guide. There was nice dinner provided as well, stimboat. I still remember that the tour guide purchase crab, I mean lot of crabs for us to eat. And it is real delicious for us to take it, though couldn't finish all the crabs.
The next day, we went the starting point of our journey, Mesilau Nature Resort. Another option to start is Timpohon Gate (1800m). For us, we opt to go to Timpohon Gate when coming down, means we covered both the route. With this, we will get 2 certificates each for the completion of each route.
As we reaching to the guesthouse at Laban Rata, the landscaping starting to change. We hardly see any tall tree, only those tree which looks like bonsai. Along the way, we also saw lot of pitcher plants. We really like the new found panaromic view while we hiking along the way. Hence, our journey becomes slower because we taking time to take photos. On the way as well, we met with an English lady which is about 60 years old climbing the hill. I really feels proud for her.
We reached the resthouse about 5pm (3273m). At the resthouse, one can either book the type like hostel (sharing with other hikers) or private room. We opted for the private room, and I think we made the correct choice. Private room has their own washroom while the other type, one need to share with everyone. After resting for a while, enjoying the scenary from the verandah, we quickly take our shower. After that, we went to have our meal which already part of our package for accomodation.
After the meal, we walked down to a huge empty space and taking photo. Since it is sunset, we enjoyed the moment. It was a colorful sky and hardly see it while we are in KL. And we are very lucky to have this breathtaking view. We waited and waited until the sky start to getting darker. If lucky enough where the wheather is clear, we could see the town at the mountain's foot. Once it is getting darker, it means that it's time for us to get rest for the next morning climb to catch the sunrise. Finger cross, may the sky and wheather permit us to reach the mountain top the next day.
We wake up at 2am the next day, continue our journey to the mountain top. We wear our winter clothing as the temperature has dropped due to the high altitude. And again, luck is on our side. It was full moon, and this at least help us while trekking to the mountain top. It was not that dark after all, and we could watch out for our steps. We need to reach the mountain top around 5am to catch the sunrise.We reached Sayat-Sayat checkpoint about 4am. This is the last check point, as well as the place where we can refill our water. We take a break here before the last push to reach the summit.
When we reached the top (4095m), there are many hikers whom reached earlier than us. Without wasting time, we try to get a good location to watch the sunrise. One would feels like on cloud nine, or in heaven. You feels like stepping on the cloud. Wow, suddenly we feels the pain within us disappeared.Given the high altitude, some people may suffer from altitude sickness and should return immediately to the resthouse, as breathing and any further movement becomes increasingly difficult. I've heard this before the hiking, but to witness it myself is another story. One of my friends having the diificulties of breathing, but he still manage reach the top. It depends on the individual as do not take the risk. Always safety first!!!
Even before we reaching the top of Low's Peak, the views in all directions are incredible - St John's Peak to the west, the Donkey's Ears to the east and the distinctive South Peak to the south make for incredible scenery.
Everyone lining up to take the photo to mark they have reached the top. Since it is limited space, so all climbers taking their time and turn to snap a photo as remembrance.
After all the hardwork to reach the top, we take sometime to rest, and most importantly to enjoy the scenary around us. Also, at the same time we keep taking picture as it is endless opportunity.
As we start descent to Laban Rata again, we enjoy the scenary as well. It could be dangerous as well in certain places. As it was dark while we hike up to the top, while descent we saw the route leading us up to the top. Quite scarry though. Steep at some places, and most of all, the leg started to feels the pain.
The descent to the foot of the mountain really taxing. I guess it was the hardest part for the journey. Our leg starting to sore, making the journey more difficult. One of the team member sprained her ankle, making it slower. At the end of the journey, I couldn't walk anymore and need to limp.
After all, this climb also coincide with Serene's birthday. What make it more memorable was it is about 1.5 months away from our big day. So it making this journey more memorable compared to outher trips. Once we reached back to KK town, we went to the foot massage (reflexology) to ease the pain.Mt Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range. Besides that, Mt Kinabalu also is the tallest mountain in South-East Asia. Due to the uniqueness of the flora and fauna found over here, Mt Kinabalu is accorded with UNESCO World Heritage status in year 2000.
There are 2 tales of stories on the main beliefs in the origin of the mountain's name. The first derivation of the word Kinabalu is extracted from the short form for the Kadazan Dusun word 'Aki Nabalu', meaning "the revered place of the dead".
The second source states that the name "Kinabalu" actually means "Cina Balu" (which would fully mean "A Chinese Widow"). Due to the lingual influence among the Kadazan Dusun of Sabah, the pronunciation for the word "cina" (chee-na) was changed to "Kina" (kee-na).
There are few other good reference website that one can look to plan for trip, or let me know if any advice needed for the trip.
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