When i told my friends that i am going to climb Mt Kinabalu earlier this year, some of them made fun of me. Maybe i looked "too weak" to them to be able to go up the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Or partly because i was not involved in any training that can at least prepare myself to this wild adventure.
Actually i DID go for "some" training.. i went to Batu Caves ONCE! And that was really a last minute attempt, i admit. But it is still better than none... and i was a runner when i was young, so i guess it shouldnt be very hard. *self-console*
Nice and delicious Italian food in Little Italy Restaurant at the heart of Kota Kinabalu town.(click the thumbnail for larger view)
We started our climb rather late as compared to the other climbers, due to some small glitches in the registration and transportation process. Normally, the climb should start at 9:30am, but we did at 11:15am. So we were a little worried that we would be too late reaching Laban Rata (half peak, where we will be resting for the night before proceeding to hike to the peak). Luckily, all of us managed to make it before night falls. It took me about 5 hours to go up 6KM, which is considered good, considering that i had not much training.
First 2KM but we were all tired dy.
Food at the Laban Rata Cafeteria was super expensive. A bowl of Maggi instant noodle (where i could get here for RM2.50 in mamak stall - cost of a pack is just RM0.50 the most) was sold at RM8.50. I was pre-warned about the pricey food, but because our trip was all D-I-Y (Do it yourself) and we dont want to bring too many stuff up the mountain with us, we decided to
"get slashed" this time around.
After dinner, me and 3 of my frens stayed at Waras Hut - with no room heater where the temperature can go to a freezing cold 7 Celcius at night. Seriously we can become
tidak waras (insane) the next day!
Our little hut and its kitchen.
The next morning, i woke up around 1:15am and started getting ready for the hike up the summit. That's the toughest hike, most of them said. We left Laban Rata around 2:35am, equipped with warm clothing, gloves and head lamp cos it was cold and dark. Sok Yee was the only one who stayed behind in Laban Rata cos she was feeling unwell and it was a better choice for her to rest in the hut than risking herself having any difficulties on her way up.
Low's peak at 4095.2m.
Our group who made it to the peak.
There was no doubt that the hike was tougher to the peak. First of all, the air is thinner as we move higher above the ground. This made you feel tired and exhausted very easily. Plus you need to climb on the rocks, keep yourself balanced and hold on to the rope to pull yourself up at some point, mental strength is very much needed here. Some people may give up half way, cos they couldnt stand the tireness and the strong wind. But not us, we have conquered the highest mountain in Southeast Asia!!
*proud*
PY, SK, me.
After the hike, my legs were really sore and painful. All of us walked like crabs (a remark made by the White Water Rafting crew member the next day). It was so obvious that everyone who saw us walking would say
"U guys just came down from the mountain? Was it fun?".
Oh my gosh, u didnt know how embarassing that was. But i guess it was a very common sight in the KK town :)
Waiting for train to the White Water Rafting starting point.
We spent the next full day doing white water rafting at Padas river. The
Riverbug crews were very friendly and we had a lot of fun. Apparently, they have another place for white water rafting in Perak. This is good cos it is located in Peninsular Malaysia so we can go there anytime we want, easily! (oopps, sorry, no pics from WWR cos i havent get it from my other frens)
Altho my legs hurt quite a bit after this trip, but i am very happy that i managed to make it up to the peak. It was fun to get away from the hustle bustle of the city for a few days and just enjoy the wild nature. I am hoping that i can do more of these in the future, maybe to Angkor Wat or something.
