On 27-Jun-11, I hiked Mount Kinabalu with my best friend Pam and beloved Bro. Great to have Pam who share similar interests as me (we often get to do activities together), and roping my Bro in for this trip was definitely a wise decision.
Nice morning view from the lodge's balcony. Perfect weather for our climb.
Making our way to the Kinabalu Park headquarter. It's just a 15mins walk (500m) from the lodge -- how convenient :D
Kinabalu Park headquarter office's just ahead.
Fresh air, cool weather.
Very excited. Our hiking began! The first few kilometers trail is made up of stairs and rock path.
Each of us bought a walking stick. Don't belittle these carved tree branches, they were very useful in providing balance and support.
Bro with our guide, Corne, who has worked for 5 years as a guide.
Number of times he climbed the mountain? - Countless.
A hiker's enjoying the misty view.
Climbing the last two kilometers before the Laban Rata Resthouse was quite tough. There is only rock path and more focus was needed in every step we made.
My sweet brother offered his help to carry my backpack :)
What a welcoming sight after close to 6 kilometers of strenuous climb! It's Laban Rata Resthouse where we stayed overnight before the next morning climb to summit.
View from the Resthouse...at 3272.7m.
Woke up in the wee hours and set off at 0230 for our morning climb to the summit...
We had ourselves geared up with beanie hat, woolen gloves, warm clothing and headtorch (you don't want to be hiking in complete darkness). Air became thinner, and path got steeper. I was a lil shocked when my path ahead was a 75 degree steep gradient of granite rock upon arriving at the rope course. Nevertheless, we had a second round of good luck for having no rain (it will dread you to wear a plastic poncho that flies when strong wind blows, restricting your movement and blocking your front view).
No glimpse of the yolk but an orange line. Beautiful still.
Enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery while taking a break.
Standing in front of Low's Peak.
It gets very cold when wind blows. My bro was very kind again to let me put on his jacket :)
At Low's Peak (4095.2m)!...feeling exhausted but was overjoyed that I made it to the highest point!
Getting down was not an easy task without Corne's help.
How does it feel like to be above the white clouds and under the blue sky?
Holding onto Corne's hand and making our descent safely.
Morning mist? or clouds rolled in?
This signboard is absolutely not for show.
...And the descent continued for the rest of the day with my legs feeling VERY tired.
"Take nothing but photographs. Leave nothing but footprints" :)
Postcards! A must buy for a collector like me.
This is certainly a fulfilling, enjoyable and unforgettable trip.
I have been thinking about climbing Mount Kinabalu since last year and finally I conquered it.
And I would love to visit Sabah KK again; get close to nature and wildlife, away from busy cities.
Life is good,
and seeking adventure still...
:)
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