Kinabalu Expedition 2007

Recovering from sore legs and several bruises, recollecting colourful memories and vivid encounters - our Kinabalu expedition was definitely worth the while. Seven guys and one gal scaled the mountain leaving no regrets behind. Ask any of us and we’d definitely say we’d do it all over again. Allow me to bring you in for snippets of our 5 day adventure.

11.10.2007 - Kinabalu Park
Staying the night at Grace Hostel, here we packed our bags and got our final briefing before the climb the following day. Making sure we had EVERYTHING, from food supply to warm clothing, nothing was to be left behind. We sat in for an official briefing by the park ranger explaining the trail and what to be prepared for. Comforting as it may be, she ended with a few facts: (i) The youngest climber is a 5 year old (ii) The oldest climber is a 96 year old. It’s good to know that if they can do it, it shouldn’t be a problem for us, after all we did train a couple of months for this.


Our food supply - Instant pasta, luncheon meat, maggi mee, cereal bars, hot choc and horlicks.

12.10.2007 – Timpohon to Laban Rata
Waking real early in the morning, we gulped down some breakfast and headed to catch the first shuttle that will bring us to Timpohon Gate where the climb begins. Our guide Francis introduced himself and kicked started our ascend at 0830.

The entire trail from Timpohon to Laban Rata was only 6km but the terrain was far from flat ground. It was uphill all the way with steep stairs, huge rocks and high steps leading us on. Throughout the trail, there were 6 stops for toilet breaks, water tanks with fresh mountain water for refill and benches for resting.

The trail turned from lush green rainforest to rocky surfaces with nothing but granite, gravel and rocks. At times it was hard to keep balance as the trail was so uneven that you have to be careful where you walk.

Whilst climbing up, we met with several other climbers who were making their way down. We exchanged some notes and most of them would exclaim “It was awesome” or “We’re very tired, but believe me, by the time you reach the peak, all your pain and tiredness will all disappear”. What a boost to carry on!

By 11am we were 3 quarters way up and there was only 2km more to Laban Rata. All this while, the guys have been taking turns to help carry my bag as I was having some back problems. None of them complained as I observed that they too had struggles carrying two bags. The last stretch, to Laban Rata I managed to trade bags with Zech and carried it all the way. It wasn’t that difficult and the back pain was completely gone! Praise God!

We arrived at Laban Rata at 2pm to find that there was not much of a view there as the clouds had started to blow in. After checking in we found out that our dorm was another 50metres upwards! Imagine the reluctance in our limbs to move even an inch further! Gunting Lagadan is not a heated shelter, hence the tip toeing and scampering for a quick shower and back to our rooms.

Turning on the Bunsen burner and mess cans in place, we cooked a mouthwatering meal of pasta, luncheon meat and onions (can you believe we even carried onions up!) and finally hot choc to down it.

13.10.2007 – Gunting Lagadan to Lowe’s Peak
Jumped out of bed at 1.30am as chilly winds welcomed us and a three hour hike to start our morning. Most of us wore at least four layers and a windbreaker, with a beanie, football socks and gloves to keep us warm. Headlamps are essential as the journey up was pitch black all the way. The hike up was beautiful with stars sprinkled like gold dust across the blanket of sky. The terrain was mostly rocky with extremely steep surfaces that require the help a rope to hoist ourselves up.



5.30am – With a final hoist and there I was, at the peak! It’s indescribable as I hollered “We made it!” The view 360 degrees is just awesome. Above the clouds, overlooking rolling mountains as the sky takes in the first few waves of amber. With so little space to move around, we only had about 15 minutes at the peak and a quick picture to allow other climbers to savor their moment.


We made it to the top! All 8 of us, none left behind!


5.34am


5.36am


On top of the world...


Donkey's ears (you can see it from Kinabalu park as well)


Steep terrain... (Inevitably dangerous as well)


Kinabalu, we'd definitely be back for more!

Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

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