Mt Kinabalu - Part Four: The Quest

The Kinabalu Park covers a staggering area of 754 sq. km.  Translated, it is bigger than Singapore island!  Established as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise is blessed with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones.  It is Malaysia's first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its 'outstanding universal values' and being the world most important biological sites.  (Information derived from malaysiatravelpedia.com)

Notice there are 2 climbing routes, one travel from Timpohon Gate; the other from Mesilau Trail.  We took the Timpohon route which is 2km less than the Mesilau trail.  If you are a more adventurous climber and possess an average fitness level (able to hike up to 3,200m in 6 hours), you may try via Ferrata route.  It is definitely a more exciting experience.

We reached Timpohon Gate around 9:15am and our mountain guide, Robbi, gave us his 'final' words and we checked in at the guard house.  Let the quest begin!  Mt Kinabalu, here we come!

Interestingly, the climb began with descending stairs.

400m later, we came across this beautiful waterfall.

From here onwards, the trail winds up a steep staircase.  And it is all the way up.  The climb will take approximately 4-6 hours depending on each one's fitness level.

Chu and Donna were always ahead of Audrey and I.  I preferred to stay right at the back.  After all, I seemed to be the slowest of them all.  *shy

We completed the first 1km hike within 25 minutes.  Oh boy, that's pretty good right?  Well, it may sound that way.  But it's another 5km walking up and up and up the endless stairs.

Along the trail, there are 'pitstop' to rest and answer nature's call.  The shelters are about 500m - 1km distance from each other.

And there are friendly mountain squirrels to greet and entertain you in each shelter.

We usually rest for about 5 minutes in each shelter before proceeding.

Wooden stairscase

More stairs

Audrey's gorgeous smile even after all the sweat... notice the peak of Mt Kinabalu at the background?  Such a magnificient view, ya?!

Finally reached 2km!  This time it took us around 40 minutes.  Well, there's nothing much to look for unless you are a fan of fauna and flora.  So, these markers and shelters become our short term goal.  I was looking for the insect-eating pitcher plants for which Kinabalu is famous for but I found none.

We met many porters along the trail.  I simply adored these people.  Look at the weight that they are carrying at their back.  And their speed were immeasurable!  In fact, you could hire these porters to carry your backpack with only RM10 per kg.  If there's a need, they could even carry you!  hahaa... of course with a substantial $$.

Personally, the first 1km was a bit tough for me as my body adjusted to the momentum.  But the second kilometre was easier.  However, it didn't last long.  Soon I felt tired, exhausted, and every step is a power of will.

Another 45 minutes to reach the 3rd kilometre.  Thanks to Donna who kept track of our time.

Slowly, the path we trudged on changed from soil to rocks

Throughout my climb, I couldn't help but think of friends that have walked this path before me.  That reminded me of Hebrews 12:1  Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The path may not be easy.  We may not know when it would end.  However, many have gone before us.  Many have ran this race.  We are not alone in facing the trials, challenges and difficulties in life.  Rest assured that God is with us.  Persevere on.  We will receive our crown of glory in no time.
 

We stopped for lunch at the next shelter.  Took a longer break, munching our sandwiches, replenishing our energy.

As we ascend higher, the forest becomes shorter.  Thus, allowing superb view of the mountain as we followed the trail upwards.

The next kilometre took us more than an hour.  Our legs were sore and every step just seemed to get harder and harder.

The mist-irous path

The temperature was dropping but we were sweating profusely.  However, you do feel a bit chilly when the wind blows. 

Our mountain guide was no where to be found all this while.  He was supposed to walk behind the last person in the group (that's me!).  We noticed other westerners' guides were with them all the time but not so if the group made up of local Malaysian. 

Another one hour plus to reach the 5th kilometre.  Just one more kilometre to reach Laban Rata where we rest for the night but it seemed forever to get there.

As you can see, climbing up Mt Kinabalu is pretty easy.  Just stairs, and stairs and stairs....

Finally, after five and a half hour of trekking, we reached Laban Rata!  You have no idea how happy we were.  Chu and Donna were already there waiting for Audrey and I.  Donna was so cute, she was on the look out for us at the edge of the cliff all these while.  And when she saw us, she was overjoyed and shouted aloud "They are here!  They are here!".  My teammates were awesome!

Located at an elevation of 3373m, Laban Rata Rest House is where all climbers rest overnight before continuing their climb to the summit the next morning.  We, however, were given the key to our dorm at another rest house called Waras Hut.

A non-heated room with 6 bunk bed, very basic but it felt like paradise after a 6km hike up.  It is located 2-minutes away from the reception hall where we will be having our meals.  Since dinner is served at 4:30pm, we decided to just hang around the hall for another one and a half hour before descending to our little cozy hut.  Our guide finally appeared! He gave us a short briefing of the climb for the next day.

You'd be surprised to find Maxis reception is excellent even at this altitude.  As we were climbing, I overheard a Malay lady answering her call explaining to her 'whoever' where the iron was.  It was quite amusing to me.

Perhaps it was the thinning air, or the lack of sleep, I developed headache on my way up the mountain. There is a Grocery Counter in the resthouse where we could purchase food and beverages, and limited stuff.  I purchased a can of 100+ with a price of RM11!!!  Well, everything is marked up here.  It is expensive but bear in mind that everything have to be transported by foot via the porters.  So I guess it is reasonable.  I felt much better after drinking 100+ and eaten triple the amount of food I usually take.  Yes, you read it correctly - TRIPLE!!!  I was surprised by my own appetite.  hahaa...

Waiting for our dinner to be served

Audrey and I with our ID

The porters and the mountain guides having fun after a day's work

After gobbling up the food and filling our empty stomach, we descend to Waras Hut to rest for the night.  Nope!  None of us bathed as the water was icy cold.  We simply used the wet wipes to freshen ourselves up.  It was only 6pm but all of us were far off in our dreamland.

To be continued...