Mt Kinabalu - Part One: The birth of a great adventure

Photo derived from beautifulkk.com

Another check off my life-list (aka bucket list) ......

Honestly, I have never thought of fulfilling this dream. The seed of climbing Mt Kinabalu was first planted 10 years ago when the Royal Rangers in my former church organised an expedition to this highest mountain in South East Asia.  My dear hubby discouraged me from signing up as he was very concerned that I couldn't make it (disclaimer: hubby has no recollection of this).  Well, it is quite true coz I'm not one who loves to exercise.  I certainly do not have the physical training and stamina.  I didn't pursue this dream since then.

In recent years, thanks to FB, I found out a few of my peers had successfully climbed Mt Kinabalu.  However, it was not until two years ago when hubby was 'forced' to enrolled in an excursion to Mulu Cave that my desire to climb Mt Kinabalu was rekindled.  This time, hubby was more encouraging.  His only condition was to find a partner.  It is not advisable to be alone in such an expedition.  Especially I'm both a newbie in travelling and climbing.

I started my 'hunt'.  It wasn't a smooth ride though.  After months of looking around, I found my 'soulmate' - my sister-in-law, Audrey.  She was excited and immediately gave me the green light to proceed with the rest of the arrangement.  Weeks later, Audrey's friend, Chu and her sister, Donna, joined us and we are finally settled down with 4 adventurous and ambitious climbers.

The 'human' factor is done, now let's turn our attention to the web.  I read many reviews on the climb to Mt Kinabalu.  Although it may be cheaper to book everything separately (accommodation, meals, permits, transportation, and etc), we have decided to book via Amazing Borneo, a travel agency.  Dealing with them was an absolute pleasure.  Hmm... after my Hong Kong trip, I admitted that I have quite a bad impression on tour agency.  But as for Amazing Borneo, their services and professionalism amazes me.  I am thoroughly satisfied and happy to book through them again should I plan for any future trips in Borneo (maybe Mulu Cave???).

Amongst us four, though I am the youngest, I am embarrassed to confess my physical strength is the weakest of all.  Later I found out Chu visits the gym 3 times a week and Donna has been consistently excercising on a weekly basis for years.  As for Audrey, ever since we embarked on this voyage, she has been going for hiking and walking at least 3 times a week.  Me?  Needless to say, I only started my exercise in Sept last year.  Stopped due to illness.  Then continued again.  And stopped again.  Of course, I am the only lady in the group that has 2 young children and this could easily give me the 'license' to not exercise.  But there will always be excuses.  So, I'm guilty.  It was not until December when I started my swimming lesson thatI began my training 2 times a week continuously.

Hubby was pretty nervous about me climbing Mt Kinabalu.  He was upset with my lack of diligence (not that I purposefully choose to laze around all day long).  Perhaps I know that I may not be as fit, but I do have the determination and perseverance to keep me going.

A little hiccup when I fell sick just about one month before the climb.  But thank God I was able to pursue my dream though I was not 100% healthy.

To be continued...