Kinabalu Expedition

Mt Kinabalu

While browsing the net to get information on 2nd trip to Japan, I came across this one blog which describe the blogger's experience on his journey throughout Asia within a year....and interestingly, I read about his travel in Malaysia....my home country....and guess what...????

He got a really nice write up on his adventure climbing Mt Kinabalu...it actually got me thinking...hmmm...if a foreigner felt that good reaching the summit(and he's not an atheletic person and scared of heights)...probably...a big probably...I should do it too.....

View of Kinabalu from Nabalu...kirei desyo :)
So did a little research on Mt Kinabalu and this is what I found............
Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095.2m, is not the highest mountain in South East Asia. Malaysia’s official brochure for Mount Kinabalu only states that it is “the highest mountain between the Himalayas (which Mt Hkakabo Razi is a part of) and the Snow Mountains of Papua Barat (where Irian Jaya is located).” At 4,095.2 m, Mount Kinabalu is less than half the height of Mount Everest, but what makes this mountain stand out is that it seems to jut out from nowhere.

But Mt Kinabalu still deserves all the accolades that it receives. It is arguably the most famous mountain in South East Asia and is well worth a visit whether to climb it, or just to look at it from afar. This mountain is sacred to the indigenous Dusun people who inhabit the north-eastern part of Borneo. The name of the mountain itself shows its relevance to the local people. Kinabalu is believed to be derived from Aki Nabalu, which is taken to mean the sacred resting place of the ancestral spirits. This is not surprising since ancient people all over the world once thought mountains to be sacred. It is certainly more believable than the story about a dragon and a Chinese widow....hahahaha...and I never heard of such tales..me being a Malaysian......:P
View from Waras Hut....sugoi desyo ......aaaa mitai na
But looking at the mountain from afar is nothing compared to a close-up look from the vicinity of Kinabalu National Park. A leisurely 2-hour drive from the city will take you to a height of about 1500m. As you move closer towards the national park, the mountain slowly reveals itself bit by bit, as though it is doing a strip tease show for its audience. When the mountain finally fully reveals itself, it is not uncommon for people to be mesmerized.

Landscape from Kinabalu summit....

The vegetation of Mount Kinabalu ranges from tropical rainforests to plants that grow in sub-alpine temperature, so the mountain is covered by greenery at the foot that slowly thins out to be replaced by the gray of granite rocks. When the sun’s rays shines on the mountain, some parts of the rock glimmer like ice, causing people to think that snow falls on the mountain. During the ice age, the mountain was covered with ice, and glaciers flowed down its slopes, but all this melted about 3000 years ago.

The mountain top does not form a symmetrical cone shape like Mount Fuji of Japan. Instead, various peaks of different shapes and sizes are visible. The highest point is Low’s Peak, but it is not necessary this peak that looks the highest. The second highest peak is only 5m lower than Low’s Peak and the other peaks are almost the same height, so from different angles, different peaks look higher. One peak that is easy to recognize though would be Donkey’s Ears Peak which looks like, well, donkey’s ears.

Usually, the best time to see Mount Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu is between 6am and 8am in the morning before the mists rise up to slowly cover it. By around 10am, only the peakof the mountain will be visible. Then the mountain will show itself again about an hour before sunset. Although on a good day, the whole mountain is visible the whole day long.

Access: 1½ hours journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park that passes through scenic countryside and beautiful mountain range. Upon arrival at the Kinabalu Park’s headquarters, you are required to register your name and passport number. Transferred to Timpohon gate located at 1,866.4 meters above sea level and from there proceed to Laban Rata that may take 4 to 6 hours walk. at about 2.30 a.m, you will be given a wake-up call. Get ready with your flash light because you needed it to help you see the dark trail of your final journey of 30 minutes to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, that is, the summit of Hugh Low’s Peak at 4,095.2 meters above sea level. Climbing in the dark is exciting but not dangerous. Head torch essential. The mountain trail was basically pieces of rope tethered on the rocks and linked together, more as a marker than something to hang on to.Your stay at the peak will be about 4 hours so don’t forget to bring your camera for you to capture your memorable climb of this well known mountain, Mount Kinabalu. The climb to the top is great especially the final hour, and after sunrise the views are spectacular. Get to the top, get a photo and then drop down to the plateau to admire the view at you leisure. Fantastic!!
The rope way.......kowai kedo, sugoi desu ne :P

The sunrise from the peak...


The descending view.....hontou ni kirei :)

Accomodation: Along this trail, you will be able to see for yourself different vegetations. There are 6 shelters that you can take your rest while at the same time enabling you to enjoy the panoramic view of the rainforest. By late afternoon you should be able to reach Laban Rata, check-in into the dormitory and after that you will be given your free own leisure. You will be served with dinner before your overnight stay at this site as a preparation for your walk to the summit. A breakfast will only be served when you reach Laban Rata. Your check-out of Laban Rata starts your descend to Timpohon gate and thereby ends your Kinabalu climbing.

Requirements: Passport (if you're a foreigner), return transfers, mountain guide, climbing permits, insurance, accommodation, meals as stated in the itinerary and entrance fees.

Note : Physical fitness is required.

Recommended gear: Sturdy shoes i.e. good trainers or lightweight hiking boots (the locals wear Crocs!); for first day - shorts & t-shirt ; rainproof and warm trousers, long sleeved tshirt, fleece and jacket plus rainproof hat, gloves, head torch for summit climb; a change of clothes in case of being drenched - keep these in a waterproof bag!; camera and some snacks for the uphill.

Friendly advices: Pack all you need for the overnight stop and get a porter to carry it for you. Aim to keep the luggage to around 10 - 15 kgs and if you can travel light and are used to carrying a rucksack then lump it yourself. Buy some cheap walking poles enables you to take at least some of the weight on your arms, especially useful on the way down and they provide great stability as well on the very uneven steps. You don't need them for the climb from Laban Rata to the peak as you need both hands free for the ropes. The locals will sell you a stick so if you don't bring poles buy a stick, you won't regret it. Keep up a steady pace, drink plenty of bottled water, you can buy more at Laban or they supply free boiled water. Don't stop for lunch, just snack and keep going. Take a few minutes at each shelter feed the squirrels and get going. As you ascend the temperature drops to a nice level so just keep going. Ask your guide to point out the pitcher plants and anything else to give it some interest and take time to chat to your fellow climbers, you will meet plenty on the way down after 10 am.