My buddy and I thought it would be great to climb Mt Kinabalu ( 4,095.2m or 13,432ft ) and celebrate National Day on its peak. This trip, we chose the most popular trail through the Timpohan Gate.
Arrived Kota Kinabalu, and went to the Gaya Street Sunday morning market. Bustling with tourists and locals, the whole street was closed to traffic to allow traders to sell their wares. You can find paintings, souvenirs, footwear, handicrafts and plants. Even saw ornamental air-plants being sold. Thought that was not a native flora of Sabah!
The atmosphere was great, truly relaxed as you browsed with locals and bargain with the traders for things that interest you. Sabahans like to use the word 'bah' in their slang. Just so like us to use 'lah' in the peninsular. Note also there a lot of migrants from Philippines that have made Sabah their home.
Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabalu National Park was about 2 hour ride away. As we near the park area, one can see many vegetable gerai ( stalls ) and signage for Kundasang Valley a few kilometres further. Remember to stop by one of these stalls and you will probably discover the tarap, a fruit that can't be found in the Semenanjung ( pic below ). Looks like a cross between jackfruit and durian. Pungent and banned from hotel rooms like the durian. Flesh was not as creamy as the durian.
The plan was head to Kinabalu Park for 1 night, then to a mid-point lodge at Laban Rata. After a few hours of rest, we would ascend Mt Kinabalu at 2.00am. The hike to Laban Rata was not that difficult if one trained adequately. However at Laban Rata ( 3,270m or 10,730ft ) the effects of altitude sickness may kick in. I had a mild headache and could not really sleep.
Although Laban Rata was only 2 km away from the peak, the hike can take 4-5 hours.The cold, wind and steep climb would play tricks on your resolve to scale the mountain. There were no vegetation at this stage, hence one need to climb and descend early before the sun comes out in force. What struck me was the size of this rock! For many hours, you would not be able to see the peak. It was full moon behind me and you can see your shadow ahead all the time.
We reached Low's Peak well before dawn and waited to greet the morning sun. The experience was surreal. Things that went through my mind was ;
- This was one giant granite.
- The silence was deafening.
- The first light that struck the horizon was mystical.
- Satisfied face of climbers was everywhere.
- Was truly humbled and life's challenges quickly fell into perspective.
On 31st August 2004, there was no conquering of South East Asia's highest mountain in my mind. Instead this Merdeka ( National Day ) was my most memorable. Lady Kinabalu has allowed me to savour her beauty and majesty. For the first time, I declared my 'Malaysia Boleh' in a positive way.
